Spiritual Quiet Time with Pat Strain

Pat Strain was there at the beginning of Mom 2 Mom. She has been a long-time supporter and friend to many in our group. She spoke to us about today about the importance of having a deep, meaningful, quiet time with the Lord every day.Here's Pat's Story in her own words...I have been married to Mike Strain - 42 years. I have three grown sons who are married, giving me three precious daughters-in-laws, who are like daughters to me. God has blessed their quivers, and given us six grandchildren, 2 boys and 4 girls - currently between the ages of 8 and 20 mos. I grew up in a Christian home, with a childlike faith and was baptized at age 10. I had some rebellious times in my teenage and college years, but the Lord was faithful to pursue me through conviction, as I struggled to discover who I am and who God is. I floated in and out of church, and in and of relationships. Some of it was the season of my life in moving around, but a lot of it was I didn’t really know my true identity. When Mike and I married we searched for a church home and began to seek God more seriously. But, God really got my attention when Kellan, our first son was born premature and had some major physical difficulties, and I began in my spiritual immaturity began to bargain with God in prayer for his life. In His grace, the Lord spared Kellan’s life, and from that time forward in gratefulness I committed to seek Him with all my heart. Shortly thereafter is when I began BSF - Bible Study Fellowship, and the Lord revealed Himself to me in a deeper way through His Word, particularly through the study of the Book of John. I have had the privilege of getting to know the Lord and to know myself as He knows me, according to His Word, and not just what I think. He has confirmed over and over His loving presence, HIs merciful peace, HIs gracious promises, HIs powerful purposes and so much more. So, I long for others to know Him too as He reveals His incredible goodness through the Bible. I’ve had the privilege of growing and serving in BSF as a leader and staff member for most of my adult years. In those early years that I got to raise my boys in God’s Word, not only through church, but using the BSF School Program resources that are the best anywhere around. In the middle of this experience I did get to work for 5 years in Women’s Ministry and in Kid’s Ministry at my home church where we raised our boys. Then as a Group Leader for Mom to Mom about 8 years. Sweet Memories! What a Joy! Throughout these seasons, some of my favorite things are biking, water skiing, scrapbooking, reading, and gardening by default as that is Mike’s favorite hobby. Somebody has to cook it, right?! I’m in a new season now as Mike has retired as GI Dr. For 38 years. We get to really vacation. Go to Europe and rest and read the signs in the museums. Read more often to my grandchildren. Next, we’re headed to Uganda, Africa this July, a special place in my heart. My hope and prayer for you today is that my story will bless your story! Thank you for listening! I hope you will go and tell yours!