Pamela Koefoed's Blog, page 7
July 7, 2016
A Desire to Help Others Motivated Author to Write Her Personal Story
“How was it for you…writing JoyRide?” A reader recently asked.
I stumbled around, trying to put into words the vast array of emotions that I felt during that three year season of writing.
How was it for me…writing JoyRide? Sometimes sadness overwhelmed me, especially as I wrote about my baby brother, and as I considered that my beautiful mother lived most of her life with something stronger than regret. These realities have always saddened me.
But I was surprised and grateful that, while writing the dramatic scenes of escape and related elements, my heart wasn’t re-traumatized, and I was delighted to find that where pain used to be, peace now reigned.
How was it to write JoyRide? The answer is as many sided as a prism. It was difficult to write the scenes involving the grave mistakes of those whom I had anchored my world to.
It was very difficult. At times, I talked with my husband about my feelings. Was I betraying my mother? Did I dishonor her or any of my family? I knew that he would be truthful with me. What I found in my husband was reassurance and encouragement to keep writing.
I felt passionately that my story would inspire others to forgive, to love, and to have hope for their own situations. I knew that my mother would want this to be the outcome of our years of heartache. I believed, and still do, that beautiful things can come out of ashes and loss.
How was it for me while I wrote JoyRide? It was a beautiful thing.
Pamela Koefoed, Author
Joyride: Life, Death and Forgiveness is my personal story. I wrote it from a child’s perspective. It depicts the bonds between a little girl, her mother and sister, and how that bond enabled her to remain hopeful, resilient, and to overcome her mother’s haphazard parenting and dangerous behaviors.
JoyRide points the way to succeeding in life, even when we’re dealt a half missing deck of cards, and it demonstrates that circumstances do not define who we are or what we can achieve.
Please request JoyRide at your local bookstore, or write to us for a list of independent bookstores carrying my book. Thank you!
April 27, 2016
A Heart to Heart with Author Pamela Koefoed
Join us for a free webinar by clicking here.
Readers of my personal story have asked, “How did you overcome everything you went through?”
April 29th @ 7 p.m. join me on a live webinar where I will read excerpts from my memoir, JoyRide: Life, Death and Forgiveness. This is your opportunity to talk with me about my experiences.
I want to help you succeed. There will be time for questions related to the topic of moving beyond pain, to my memoir, and to the writing journey. Please join the conversation. It will be an interesting hour well spent.
March 16, 2016
Look Who I Found in My Chair!
I’m remaking the Ignite School of Ministry website, a project that I complete in increments due to repetitive motion injuries to both hands. I stepped away from the computer for a short break. When I returned, look who I found in my chair.
Max always has “important” input. He wants whatever I’m doing to include fun. I know this by a certain sparkle in his eyes and by the way he perks up his ears. Several times a day, Max tells me “play, play, play!”
My baby doberman reminds me that our Heavenly Father wants us to live today while we keep our eyes on the goal ahead of us.
From Max, I’ve learned the following:
Find joy in little things. Even something as unimpressive as a slipper can turn into a game of “Stop Thief!”
Welcome friends and family with enthusiasm and heart, they’ll know that they’re loved.
Motivate yourself to learn with treats (healthy of course).
Don’t work so hard. Play! Play! Play!
Wishing you joy in your journey,
Pamela Koefoed
Copyright 2016 Pamela Koefoed
November 10, 2015
Miracles in Lakeview, Oregon
I wish I had a before photo to show you of this very special lady. Her care giver brought her to Glorious Rising, the annual conference that I and my ministry team put together each Fall in Lakeview, Oregon.
When I first met Louise, her head was bent down into an unnatural position, with her chin almost touching her chest, due to what appeared to be severe curvature, affecting her neck.
She had been in this condition for 10 years. It was so severe that when she wanted to look to her side, because she was unable to turn her head to look over to the side, she twisted and bent at the waist with her chin (practically) pressed against her chest. Because of the immobility of her neck, the ground was her near constant view of the world.
But LOOK at her now!!!
Please join us in celebrating in the Lord for the goodness that He has shown Louise. On November 7th, following a time of prayer, she came forward to show the congregation the miracle of healing that had begun. At that time, she moved her head back, something she had been unable to do, but she was still unable to hold it in the correct position. But LOOK at her now!!!
Thanks to Teyna (her care giver) for sending us an update and this photo. We’re beside ourselves with joy. She looks like a different woman. Louise’s miracle reminds us that with God nothing is impossible.
We give the Lord Jesus all the praise for her miracle.
October 24, 2015
Supernaturally Delivered from Death’s Door
Advancing the Kingdom Ministries founder and director of Ignite School of Ministry, Pamela Koefoed on Focus Today, describes how Jesus delivered her from death’s door.
Her remarkable testimony is filled with great hope and encouragement.
October 20, 2015
There is no God?
When I remember the miracles that I’ve personally witnessed God do, I am protected from doubting His existence.
And when I look at the complexity of our universe, which is perfectly organized with moon and sun held in place, while planets rotate on the same courses they’ve moved on for many thousands of years, then I know that only an extremely wise, intelligent and perfect Designer could accomplish a feat of such magnitude.
And as I reflect on the incredible human eye, which processes some 80% of the information that we receive, my jaw drops in awe! How can anyone say there is no God?
How can a universe with everything in its perfect place have been accidental?
How could the oceans with an ecosystem perfectly suited for countless aquatic life be accidental?
How could you and I, living on this blue marble that we call Earth, be accidental?
How could any part of the human anatomy, or the anatomy of the tiny tree frog, the giant crocodile, the butterfly, or the flower be accidental?
There is no God? How absurd!
March 9, 2015
Jesus Heals Woman with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Atrophied Foot and Wrist
A testimony from our ministry in the rural foothills of Northern California
Today I received healing for carpal tunnel and pain in my right ankle. Praise God!! (Nena had a serious injury to her ankle that never healed properly. As a result, she walked with a crutch and her foot/toes had actually atrophied. On the 12th, Nena was worshiping the Lord along with the rest of us and suddenly ran up onto the stage, jumping up and down without her crutch. Jesus brought healing to her before anyone could even pray for her. And, her wrist was and still is fine. She states that on Sunday, November 14th, she was prayed for and received healing in her back and neck. That was four months ago and she’s still dancing! Hallelujah! Pastor Robin Davis, House of Prayer)
Nena
Garden Valley, CA.
I’m so happy for Nena. Miracles like this are gifts from our loving, Heavenly Father
March 7, 2015
The Culture of Honor
I’m fascinated by the way some nations honor those who are worthy of honor. For instance, when my friends ministered in Pakistan, the sponsoring pastors placed several white flowery wreaths around their necks. Then as they entered the sanctuary, the congregation sprinkled rose pedals on the floor before their feet.
And I know of a minister who serves a congregation on the African continent whose wife went out of country for several weeks to receive cancer treatments. Upon her return, a large company of people greeted her at the airport and ushered she and her husband to a party held to praise the Lord for bringing her safely home–that party was a grand celebration of her return with food, music and joyous dancing.
I’m not suggesting that we Americans make a rose pedal walkway for visiting ministers or drape leas around the necks of guest preachers, nor am I intimating that elaborate parties be held for ministers of the Gospel upon their return to us from long absences.
But here’s what i think…
We can learn much from other cultures about honor, respect and appreciation.
Yes, it may seem like the examples I used here are over the top, but can you imagine how my friends and that pastor’s wife felt? The point of honoring is to demonstrate esteem in a way that greatly blesses the recipient. The Pakistani pastors and the African congregation did a great job of doing just that.
Quite some time ago, it came to my attention that in the United States we show honor to certain members of society whom we deem especially worthy, but in many other scenarios we are poorly lacking.
As Gods children, we should be golden in this whole area of esteeming one another. It’s one of the values of God’s Kingdom. But I’m not so sure that we do this very well.
Furthermore, the Bible instructs, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
What does “double honor” look like in the American Church culture? And how can we in the Body of Christ improve the way that we esteem one another?
Honoring one another and giving “double honor” to preachers and teachers is important to the Lord. This is a big deal in the Kingdom. Therefore, for several months I’ve sought for greater understanding and an application of these truths.
Last week, an answer to my questions concerning this came through a total contradiction to 1 Timothy 5:17. What happened to me, an experience which was the complete opposite of honor, shocked me clear out of the water. It came from left field and caught me off guard. It rattled my senses and brought me to tears.
But a blessing came from that heartbreak; I gained greater understanding and a stronger determination to honor and esteem those worthy of respect.
Tonight, as I share this with you, I hope that you will glean from my words. The vocabulary I used here isn’t especially creative and this note to you isn’t polished, but it’s from my heart.
Let’s esteem one another and give “double honor” to those who serve among us. Let’s get really good at this and make it something for which we’re known. As we do so, we will impact our culture in a transformative and wonderful way.
Blessings to you,
Pamela Koefoed
Heartbreak…I Hate it when it Happens to Me, but this Time I Gained Wisdom
I’m fascinated by the way some nations honor those who are worthy of honor. For instance, when my friends ministered in Pakistan, the sponsoring pastors placed several white flowery wreaths around their necks. Then as they entered the sanctuary, the congregation sprinkled rose pedals on the floor before their feet.
And I know of a minister who serves a congregation on the African continent whose wife went out of country for several weeks to receive cancer treatments. Upon her return, a large company of people greeted her at the airport and ushered she and her husband to a party held to praise the Lord for bringing her safely home–that party was a grand celebration of her return with food, music and joyous dancing.
I’m not suggesting that we Americans make a rose pedal walkway for visiting ministers or drape leas around the necks of guest preachers, nor am I intimating that elaborate parties be held for ministers of the Gospel upon their return to us from long absences.
But here’s what i think…
We can learn much from other cultures about honor, respect and appreciation.
Yes, it may seem like the examples I used here are over the top, but can you imagine how my friends and that pastor’s wife felt? The point of honoring is to demonstrate esteem in a way that greatly blesses the recipient. The Pakistani pastors and the African congregation did a great job of doing just that.
Quite some time ago, it came to my attention that in the United States we show honor to certain members of society whom we deem especially worthy, but in many other scenarios we are poorly lacking.
As Gods children, we should be golden in this whole area of esteeming one another. It’s one of the values of God’s Kingdom. But I’m not so sure that we do this very well.
Furthermore, the Bible instructs, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
What does “double honor” look like in the American Church culture? And how can we in the Body of Christ improve the way that we esteem one another?
Honoring one another and giving “double honor” to preachers and teachers is important to the Lord. This is a big deal in the Kingdom. Therefore, for several months I’ve sought for greater understanding and an application of these truths.
Last week, an answer to my questions concerning this came through a total contradiction to 1 Timothy 5:17. What happened to me, an experience which was the complete opposite of honor, shocked me clear out of the water. It came from left field and caught me off guard. It rattled my senses and brought me to tears.
But a blessing came from that heartbreak; I gained greater understanding and a stronger determination to honor and esteem those worthy of respect.
Tonight, as I share this with you, I hope that you will glean from my words. The vocabulary I used here isn’t especially creative and this note to you isn’t polished, but it’s from my heart.
Let’s esteem one another and give “double honor” to those who serve among us. Let’s get really good at this and make it something for which we’re known. As we do so, we will impact our culture in a transformative and wonderful way.
Blessings to you,
Pamela Koefoed
February 24, 2015
Being Supernatural Naturally
What do you do when at a restaurant you perceive that the waitress’ future involves a very specific field of work? I mean, when you know what she wants to do instead of working in a restaurant, and you have not gained this knowledge from something she said.
On my way home from Klamath Falls yesterday, while I waited for my to go order, suddenly I knew the career dream that’s been in my waitresses heart.
I see myself as the mail carrier, bringing love letters from the Lord to individuals. This sort of thing happens to me a lot, sometimes in situations that aren’t suitable for ministry, more often while I’m serving the Lord at churches and special events, and on occasion in settings like the one I’m telling you about here–where it’s much easier to encourage a total stranger with a “love letter” from the Lord.
When I gave the waitress the word, it was in the context of her just saying that an employee had called in sick. So, you can see that chiming in about a whole new career path was totally out there.
This is how I handled it…
“You’re not in college?” I said. “But you want to go to Beauty School. You would be really good in that field.”
She responded by sharing with me her dream of going to Cosmetology school and working in the beauty industry. I learned that she’s wanted to be a hair stylist for a long time, but significant changes in her current situation need to happen first. She described exactly what she wants to specialize in, because (I learned from her) there are all sorts of specialized areas within that field.
So how did I know that in her heart was a dream of going to Cosmetology school? The answer is in 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14 where Paul teaches about the ministry of God’s Holy Spirit. Through what he called “words of knowledge,” individuals are encouraged, comforted, and edified. Additionally, all of the gifts of the Spirit reveal God’s Presence and His loving care.
The waitress asked me what I was doing in Klamath? I explained that I was on my way home after ministering at a couple of churches. This was a good opening to then mention briefly that the Lord is the One who revealed to me her career dream. I have no idea where she’s at in faith, but I could tell by her smile that my words were well received.
I’m grateful that I’m learning how “to be supernatural naturally,” as my friend Jean Krisle Balsi puts it.
How do we receive love letters from the Father for the people along our paths?
It’s as simple as what Corrie Ten Boom said,
“The glove can do nothing. Oh, but if my hand is in the glove, it can do many things…cook, play the piano, write. Well, you say that is not the glove, but the hand in the glove that does it. Yes, that is so. I tell you that we are nothing but gloves. The hand in the glove is the Holy Spirit of God. Can the glove do something if it is very near the hand? No! The glove must be filled with the hand to do the work. That is exactly the same for us: We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to do the work God has for us to do.”
It’s just like that, you know.
Love on someone today and let them know that God cares deeply about them.
