SENIOR MOMENTS (with God): Women's Stories about Aging with God

Shirley remembers clearly accepting Jesus as her Savior at the age of 3! Amazing!

As she entered her teenage years, however, Shirley decided to redefine herself and became rebellions.

Trauma entered her young life.

God brought her through it and now is even using her experiences to help teens as she mentors them on the Precious Path of God's Love.

Listen and be encouraged for how you, too, can let God turn your disappointments in to discoveries of His love and grace.

Shirley's story for God's glory.

Her mother was only 14 in Jamaica when Ylodia was born. Her grandparents took care of her and brought her to church weekly. This intelligent, beautiful young girl knew about God, yet she lived without understanding His love for her.

After moving to Colorado and marrying and having a child, Ylodia reflected on her life as an educator. She was successful. She had what most of us wanted: a beautiful home, husband, family, and career. Why then did she feel something was missing?

God came to Ylodia in the early morning hours before dawn in a vision. He showed her His love in a mighty way.

What happened as a result? Listen to Ylodia share her journey with Jesus, her story for God's glory.

She could not believe her eyes! This was so surreal!

Sirens, bombs exploding overhead!

It was so unbelievable that Colleen recorded the start of the war with her phone as she stood on the balcony of her condo with her Israeli husband and friends.

When they realized this was war and Hamas was indeed attacking like never before, she ran to the strong room and prayed.

Listen to Colleen's story and to her perspective of what we need to do to prepare for what is coming.

God has us. Be encouraged. Be also prepared with His Word.

Jesus, the Salvation of the Jew first and then the Gentile, is coming again.

The neighborhood Invitation came every year. Every year, Amanda ignored it. She was a busy, working mother, and a neighborhood Bible study wasn’t on her radar.

Then a crisis hit her famiky. Her life changed. She saw this year’s invitation. She saw her kind neighbor in the yard. Amanda blurted out, “I’m coming to your study!”

For weeks she was surrounded by caring women who showed God’s love.

Amanda’s life changed again.

Listen to her story for God’s Glory.

Born to an alcoholic mother in Russia, Katerina's first 5 years of life were filled with sadness and trauma as she was moved from house to house; apartment to apartment; relative to relative.

One night, she walked to her mother's apartment. She called out to her mother on the dark stairwell.

The only response was, "Go Away, I do not know you!"

Katerina walked down the steps and to the street curb where she sat in the night crying. Alone, so alone at only 4.

Then she says that is where her "God Story" began.

Katarina heard a voice. "You will be alright."

Suddenly, a strange peace flooded over her.

While she dried her tears, a police patrol car came and took her to an orphanage, a place for refuge.

Adopted later, Katerina journeys to the United States and learns more about the source of the voice she heard at 4.

Listen and be blessed by Katerina's story for God's glory.

She will never forget the click of her mother's high heels on the linoleum floor as she walked away from her in that German orphanage.

As the great oak door shut and the nun ushered her into another room where two adult strangers waited to adopt her, the heart in her child's body broke, and the trauma began.

But God.

God was not going to abandon her even though her earthly mother did. God showed her what perfect love is. He showed her that he understood rejection through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus.

Years later, in the States, Carol continued to grow closer to God through Jesus. She found her birth mother and the stepfather and the truth about her childhood.

The chains were broken. She leaves not a legacy of trauma with her children and her children's children. She leaves a legacy of love for God and the Truth of salvation.

Listen to her story, a miracle story for God's glory.

Active in the Church

Has a Bible

Sings in the Choir

Yet, Not in Relationship with God for so many years

Until her son discovered Jesus Christ and began sharing with her. After reading, questioning, searching, Toni asked Jesus to come into her life and have a relationship with her as well.

Now the Bible's words mean life to her. Now God is personal and in her daily walk.

Toni turns 104 on December 9. Listen to her words of advice and love and be blessed.

A long life.

Attending church.

Active in the choir.

Yet she did not have a relationship with Jesus until late in life.

Through her son, the words of the Bible and knowledge of Jesus reached her heart.

Now as she prepares to celebrate 104 on December 9, Toni leaves us with her insight and advice.

Her story for God's Glory!

Jesus told his disciples to let the children who wanted to see him -let them come. He reminded the disciples that the kingdom of heaven is comprised of the innocence and trust and love that children often possess and demonstrate. Today, I had the honor of visiting a 2nd grade class at Living Water Academy in Wildwood, Missouri. Mrs. Nanz is an amazing teacher there, and even more amazing is the love the students have for God.

So let's take a break from our stories about aging to hear from these children who shine God's light and love. On National Unity Day, these sweet students eagerly told me what Psalm 133:1 means: Behold! It is good and pleasant when we dwell in unity! Enjoy remembering what it is like to be that child again as they tell us about God.

After Covid, when life was supposed to return to "normal," Seth's life became even more chaotic and painful. As a result of Cerebral Palsy, Seth's muscles contracted beyond anything he had ever experienced. Years of waiting caused him to focus more intently and deeply on Jesus. While others may have turned away or become bitter, Seth dug in deep and learned what happens while waiting for answers.

Part 3 and the Conclusion of the 3-part Testimony of Seth Walker is streaming now.

In our last episode, we heard how God used a Tennessee Teacher named Teena to share the love of Jesus with her students. As a result, one student asked to know more about Jesus and invited Him into his life. Seventeen years later, Seth is still faithful. He has faced many trials, but Seth perseveres and points everyone he meets to Jesus. It has not been easy.

Through every twist and turn of life, however, Seth continues to believe God has called him to share the Good News just as Teena did all those years ago.

Listen to Seth's story about running the race with Jesus and give God the Glory.

She prayed the Prayer of Jabez: " Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted her request just like he did Jabez' in 1 Chronicles 4:10.

She was to leave the Christian school where she taught 2nd grade and teach in a public school's 2nd grade instead. At the same time, she was to share God's Word as He showed her the ways to do so. His love came through to each child, and especially to a child with cerebral palsy, Seth.

Listen to how God guided Teena through the year. Listen to how He guides Seth 17 years later as a result of that Tennessee Teacher responding to His call.

Teena's story for God's Glory.

Part 1. Seth's story streams next week.

• Fortune 500 Professional
• Independent Woman
• Fiercely Successful Single Mom

Then the doctor stopped it all with a diagnosis: cancer

Susan recalls how she came to "the end of herself." One day a penny falls at her foot. Then another. "In God We Trust." Her path changes forever. God heals her and now her story is for God's glory. Listen and be in awe of His mercy.

She was a bashful child. She went to the front of the church to know about Jesus. To her horror, the preacher misunderstood her and laughed at her, telling her to return next week.

She never returned to that church.

Years later, however, she still feels the pull of that night as a child. She wants to know more, so much more about God and about Jesus, His son.

Listen to what happens to Angie.

Her story, for God's glory.

In February

In Kentucky

In a small town

On a small campus

God Visits

Suddenly, thousands find their way there. Some sleep in cars.

-No place to stay, no place to park.

-Yet they must see this miracle.

They want to see God.

Now, months later, what do we take away from this miracle? Melanie, a staff member at Asbury College, shares her story for God's glory.

Karen has literally travelled the world. After returning from Zambia, she shares how her perspective changed on the point and purpose of service. What do we do when service feels more like a checklist or job? What is God's desire for us in serving others? Listen to her joy and her passion for serving youth and be inspired to find your own role in serving for God's glory.

After being abused emotionally and physically as a child when left with her stepdad, Rachel searches for a way to move forward. How can she forgive him? How can she forgive her mother who abandoned her? Why should she forgive?

Rachel shares her memories and experiences that led her to make a choice about forgiveness. Listen to how it shaped her as the woman she is today: compassionate, strong, thankful, and blessed.

Abused and abandoned as a child, Rachel begged God to give her just 5 minutes of heaven and rescue her from her situation.

She remained where she was.

Did God not hear her?

What was God's response to a child's cry?

Listen in awe to her powerful story for God's glory.

After three years of experiencing Job-like traumatic experiences for her family, Joy encounters the ultimate test of her faith, saying goodbye to her family while suffering a heart attack. What is the result of knowing death is waiting? What is it like live life fearing death and then face it suddenly? What happens after surviving such an encounter? Joy shares the impact on her faith and walk with Jesus after God spared her life last year. What an amazing story of purpose and passion for God's glory!

Does God care about our little problems as well as our big needs? How can I pray for lost keys or a credit card while someone is needing healing from cancer or help financially?

Know this. God cares about every detail of our lives. He wants us to share our needs and our wants with Him. We pray knowing we may receive a yes, no, or wait, but we still pray.

Listen to the Lost Propeller and give God the glory.

6 months ago, I was asked to donate to a mission called, "The Lottie Diggs Moon" mission. I had no idea who this was or what it was. I was too embarrassed to ask folks around me who all seemed to know. Recently, I ran across her story, and what a story it is. Her story for God's glory.

Do you ever wonder if you make a difference or can make a difference? Listen to two women's stories about the impact their persistent prayers had upon millions of people, and one of them includes me!

Aggie and Suzanna's stories - for God's glory

While we anticipate this weekend's celebration for Father's Day, many may have sweet memories of their fathers, while others have only sad ones. No matter what our experiences with our earthly fathers, we know that we know that our Father in heaven loves us with a perfect love. He never wants any of us to be lost or outside a relationship with Him. My dad would be 102 this year. He is in heaven. I miss him every day. To honor him and also to honor my heavenly father, I am sharing my dad's story of being lost in WW2 and encountering 3 Unknown Soldiers who impacted his life, and as a result my own life.

Please, join me in listening and honoring these Unknown Soldiers.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Young Mother of Three, Ali, shares the impact of an older woman taking time to mentor her in a new church setting. She challenges older women to move out of their comfortable church pews and reach out to that struggling young mom or woman in her faith walk. While risky, it can make all the difference as it did for Ali and her entire family.

From quarters hidden at an egg hunt, to coloring pictures to send in the mail to children, to creating a Bible study to mentor intentionally young women, older women can and do impact others and are called to do so in Titus 2.

What connections can I make for God's glory today? Whom can I support even if it means taking the risk of being rejected?

Ali's story, for God's glory.

Matthew 28:19: Go and make disciples of all nations....Acts 1:8: But you will receive power and be my witnesses ...to the end of the earth....Romans 10:13-14: how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? How can they hear without someone preaching to them?

These Scriptures and many more encourage, no command us, to share the love of Jesus with others. For some it is with neighborhood Bible Studies; for others it is at the grocery store or gas station or family reunion; for still more it is on mission trips. What is it like to take that leap of faith and journey to another culture and country to share Jesus? Why do that?

Listen to Dawn and Pat share their experiences and their encouragement for God's glory.

Who influences you or has influenced you to be a better woman? Have you ever experienced the joy of being around women who make you laugh, feel smarter than you are, share wisdom, or just listen? That is described in Proverbs 27:17 as "iron sharpening iron." Enjoy Beverly sharing her story about the woman whom she favors for God's glory.

As we prepare to celebrate and remember Mother's Day, many will recite Proverbs 31:25-30: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

While a beautiful verse, I often fall so very short of this description as a mom. I became a mother at 51, so I could not blame youth on my mistakes. I did not always open my mouth with wisdom either. Kindness was not always on my tongue. However, I did and do love my daughter fiercely. When she came into my life, I realized what it was like to have my heart walking around the room daily. I wanted to protect that heart so much. I wanted to be that woman of Proverbs. Thank God, though, that she loves me in spite of my shortcomings and mistakes as a mom. Thank God that HE loves me through it all as well.

For those who are not mothers, we are called to be encouragers and teachers of young moms, to be helpers of our sisters in Christ, to be teachers of the children in our churches. We have such love to share, do we not?

Jane, at her daughter's baby shower, really babies' shower (twins), felt God led her to share her experiences and insights and love. It is a precious story with sweet chapters. Enjoy the humor and sorrow as Jane encourages us in her story for God's glory.

I see so many women in my neighborhood, at the store, at the movies who wear the Muslim covering of the Hijab. I admit when I do, I feel my heart race a little faster and feel a quick jolt of fear. Oh, how I would love to share Jesus with each woman. I want to share because the outward wearing of the Hijab overtly tells all about a belief that does not know Jesus, yet I want to share His love. Like many of you, I do not. I look away.

Shame on me.

After hearing Astou's story you will understand why it is so important not to fear. Astou's friend prayed over her for seven years! Seven years she shared the love of Jesus. She did not back away because of Astou's Muslim faith and culture, but pursued her soul out of love.

Astou heard Jesus' name three times while away from a crowd, away from her friends and family. He called to her. When she accepted Jesus into her life, her family threatened her life and left her. For years, she has prayed and sought to reconnect with her family, yet she still follows Jesus.

What is our response to hearing Jesus' call to share with others outside our faith, outside our culture, outside our comfort? Listen to Astou and reflect on our call from Jesus.

Her story for God's glory...

Do you have a pet? How about 4 pets? How about a Burmese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, Boston Terrier, and Pug Mix? Needless to say, Stephanie loves dogs. Growing up in Malaysia with an abusive father, dogs played an important role in providing comfort to Stephanie. As a dog show trainer, veterinarian assistant, breeder, and groomer, Stephanie values the role pets can play in each season of life. Our Creator God knew what he was doing when he allowed us to have pets as our companions. See what Stephanie learned about Jesus through her St. Bernard, Zoe. If you enjoy God's creation, this story will soothe your soul. 

You are so lucky!  or You are so unlucky!

Is there such a thing as luck? Are there coincidences?

Albert Einstein said, "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." I have no doubt God works behind and before His children every day.  Karla, shares an amazing story that challenges the idea of coincidence!  Patrick Mabilog shares his view as well as Scripture in "Christianity Today."  Listen and decide where you stand on being lucky.

"A Moment with God changes you forever."  Patti, owner of an amazing boutique, "Back of the Moon," in Lowell, North Carolina, shares how her Moment with God helped her through the loss of her son, Jay.  "The greatest litmus test of faith is responding to a challenge to your faith," Patti shares. How can a mother continue to walk with God after such tragedy? Listen to her powerful story. Also, pray for her conference and for revival in North Carolina (as well as throughout our country). For more information go to worthyandredeemed@gmail.com or contact Back of the Moon. The conference for women is "Compelled To Tell," and is March 31-April 2. For God's glory! 

Loretta shares her journey with Jesus at the age of 88. "There is no retirement in God's Kingdom," she reminds us. We each have a purpose no matter what our age to fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28: 19. Jesus commanded before going to heaven, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Loretta accomplishes that every day by writing devotions and staying active in reading the Bible each morning. Listen and be encouraged by her story.  

Not forgiving others is like drinking poison and expecting others to die as a result.  After hearing Jan's story, I realize it is so true. Unforgiveness eats away at our hearts and minds and can put us in a very dark place in life. God, who is perfect, chooses to forgive us, who are not perfect. Jesus, God's Son, was betrayed by his closest friends. One friend who vowed to follow him forever claimed he did not even know Jesus when Jesus was arrested. In spite of this, Jesus asked for His Father to forgive those who tortured and persecuted Him while hanging on a wooden cross as a sacrifice.  Our God knows the hurt of betrayal, yet He forgives again and again and again and ....

So we, too, must do so. It is hard. Jan will share how being hurt by people and leaders in her church family almost devastated her. Listen to how she came through the struggle to forgive and what happened as a result. Her story will bring God glory. 

Leah shares how she came to know Jesus and how God helped her through the diagnosis of Diabetes Type I as a child and later as an adult. She points to God's love and the joy she felt after asking Jesus into her life. Be encouraged as Leah reminds us that NOTHING separates us from God's love.

Do you recall what it is like to tell a three-year old, "No,"?  I had the chance to do so, over and over, during this past Christmas. To say it was hard to look at that angelic face and deny his request was hard, is an understatement. It was a great reminder, however, of our own human nature. No one likes to be told, "No," or "Wait." This episode explores our experience in praying to our Father, God, our Creator, and receiving various answers. Jane, a music teacher and choir conductor and pianist, explains her story where God answered her prayers and the results of her miracle answers. I share examples of God saying both "Yes," and "No," and what to do with such answers. What is your experience with prayer? Reflect as you hear Jane's story for God's glory. 

Often as I age and talk with other women, I lapse into "the good old days" or "things are not as good as when I was a child." Dwelling on the past, however, is not God's will for us. He has better plans. Listen to M.J.'s story about how God changed her plans and helped her do "a new thing" for His glory. 

This is the first audio podcast for "Senior Moments-with God." This episode introduces the purpose of the podcast: to share women's stories as we age with God. The first story comes from a daughter-in-law in Colorado who shares a care-giving experience with her mother-in-law who battled Parkinson's. All stories are to uplift listeners and give God glory.