Spiritual Encouragement and Questions about God

I have ALS and was diagnosised in Jan 2006. I am a Christian and have met many others with ALS that believe in Jesus Christ as our savior. I want to connect because I know they must be struggling with "Why is this happening to me or family member".

Also there are those who do not know what they believe and thats ok. They may be searching for answers about God and what happens after someone dies. Many can not get to church because of ALS. I was in correspondance Calvary Chapel college to be a pastor. Maybe I can be a "On Line Pastor: to help, but not replace your local church.

Soon I will have a web site WTLPC.com. I am going to teach the book of Job which deals with "Big Questions". I plan to upload audio to that site. It can be for those who can not get to church. Mainly, it will be there for my daughter. I hope to teach more books of the Bible. I realized I may be able to help others along the way

Special Note to Moderator: I know this is religous in content, but it would be voluntary for those in community to click on it. I will only list as Spiritual Encouragement. This is simular to Noah Lowery on national site. I have a full time job and in no way looking for any donations or money. I am just a guy trying to help others get through tough times. So much is devoted to our physical condition, we need not to forget about who we really are on the inside.

By GaryJensen
Posted January 29, 2009 at 2:54 pm
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You may not want to use this, but I am submitting it anyway. It is written in the past tense because I am near enough to the time when I will no longer be able to do this. Also, I am LDS and some do not consider me a Christian...but I do. Hear it is--

Gary’s Testimony regarding ALS

Gary was well aware that there have been many people in many Christian denominations praying for his recovery. Yet he was not discouraged as his time approached. After all, in Gethsemane Jesus prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. He felt that if we are to strive to be Christ like, how could he do less?”

Some time ago while preparing a talk for the funeral of his dear friend Dennis Whitney, Gary came across a scripture in the Book of Mormon in Alma 7: 11-12

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions…of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

While this scripture is universally true for all, it is especially comforting for those who have suffered from a terminal illness. The word terminal as used here refers not to an ending place, but rather a place where one changes from where they are to where they’re going.

In the one and only talk he gave in Desert Hills ward he said: “The scriptures say that “the flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing.” This is particularly true for me, since I have a disease known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This means that the motor neurons that are supposed to tell my muscles to move are dead or dying, and therefore they can not tell my muscles what to do.

This disease began in my left leg and is spreading. It now affects the muscles in both legs and other parts of my body, including those that control my breathing and my voice. I used to love to sing…but those days are gone. There is currently no cure nor treatment for this disease, yet, there is still much I can do and I chose to focus on those things.”

And he did. Towards the end of this frail existence, he continued to grow his testimony, particularly that first but everlasting principle of the Gospel: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the gift of repentance. He continued to affirm his testimony that the good news of the Gospel is that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son ; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He learned from a wonderful book Called Believing Christ that it is only good news if we believe it—if we believe Christ. We can’t just believe in Christ, we must believe Christ. We must have faith in Christ that although our sins be as scarlet, through the atonement of Christ they can be made white as snow.

Gary stated that he had heard church members say (and had sometimes felt this way himself), “I’m just not celestial material.” The question then is: “So, what’s your point? Of course you’re not Celestial material. Neither am I; neither are any of us. That’s why we need the atonement of Christ which can make us Celestial.”

Gary had a strong testimony of the atonement. He certainly missed being able to serve, to home teach, to visit the hospital, to attend the temple, to help people move, to clean the church, and to attend his church meetings to fellowship with the saints. He was ever grateful for the young men who brought the Sacrament into his home. That sacrament was always a reminder of the atonement of Christ and the covenants he had made with his Heavenly Father throughout his life.

He loved his family and will miss them dearly. He certainly came to a much greater appreciation for his beloved wife Colleen. Their relationship grew stronger during this very difficult time, and this is not always the case with those who go through something like this. In his mind it gives an even stronger meaning to “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh..”

Colleen has been his anchor in life’s ocean in much the same way that his testimony of the restored Gospel has been. They have both been there for him in difficult times and are true. ALS slowed him down a bit, but through it he gained a new understanding and strength

When the Latter-Day Saints were being persecuted the Lord said to them: “Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;” (D & C 98:1) The same I believe is true in situations like these.

We sometimes say in our prayer, “We thank thee for the blessings we enjoy.” But what about those we don’t enjoy?

I testify that these things are true and thank my Heavenly Father for ALL my blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

By RochesterBarb
Posted January 28, 2009 at 9:12 am
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Dear Wayne,
I cared for my sister, a PALS, for 4 years, or rather arranged a system by which she could die at home as she wished. In the midst of that, we lost my mom to a stroke, a beloved Christian cousin to suicide, had 6 other crises in the extended family, and our house burned down. I want to share with you a couple of letters related to all that, and how the Lord totally blew me away with His LOVE and power and encouragement. He proved Himself to be ALL He promises to be for us, and more. But they are too long to post. Would it be OK if you emailed me at hashfolk@rochester.rr.com, and I sent them to you that way? Then you could decide if any parts were appropriate for your page or here? I wouldn't trade any of my journey for anything. He is an AWESOME God.
Much love to you in your journey,
Your sister in Rochester, NY
Barb H.

By WayneLampe
Posted January 27, 2009 at 11:27 am
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Wayne Lampe has uploaded a new video. Click on the link below to view the video:

Lesson 21 Revelation Chapter 21 A New Heaven and New Earth

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf7e8f0001469bdd91ff

God loves you, He is in control and has a plan for your life.

Wayne Lampe

Please visit my website www.wtlpc.com

By WayneLampe
Posted August 7, 2007 at 8:32 pm
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I recently asked a someone who was visiting his friend with ALS in hospice. I asked him"
"What is your hope after death? Where does your spirit & soul go? He said " I really don't know"
That is an honest answer that many people may respond.

I have ALS since Jan 2006. I have a web page dedicated to help people answer that very question. I have one page just for Life's Big Questions.

I have posted 7 Lessons( They are audio and slides about 30min) going through the book of Job. He suffered many things just like those who are touched by ALS.

By Pryor_Creek_Kid
Posted May 3, 2007 at 11:46 am
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You have an excellent idea. I appreciate your position and your concern for others. I have found too many of our fellow patients with ALS, who seemingly live only in the moment. I feel that many would find the day-to-day struggles to be much easier if they knew that while we face in this life is only a temporary thing. If they can only believe that the life we have in the future is so much better, from what we have here.

I look forward to reading your column or website. God bless you and may He give you strength and determination to do His will. Remember how beautiful the feet are of those who bring good news. Our God reigns!

By WayneLampe
Posted May 3, 2007 at 9:17 am
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Try typing directly in the adress bar.

https://www.wtlpc.com

I am still working on the google engine.

E-mail me at waynelampe@cfl.rr.com and I can send a directlink in the e-mail. My messages are audio and slides using windowa player.

By Darrell
Posted May 3, 2007 at 8:45 am
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www.wtlpc.com does not work. If it is right it would show up blue, I believe. I have tried getting this before, but no luck.. I would like to read what you haven written.

By WayneLampe
Posted May 2, 2007 at 6:04 pm
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Hello,

I have posted lesson 4. Here Job talks about his terrible condition. Then his freinds are determined to find the reason.

If you have ALS does that sound familuar? Please log on to

www.wtlpc.com

Please sign guest book to be notified of new postings. send out BCC for privacy.

Sincerely,
Wayne Lampe

By WayneLampe
Posted March 25, 2007 at 9:06 pm
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Hi,

Have ever questioned why bad things happen? I have just posted my 1st in a series of recordings explaining the book of Job in the Bible.

Go to www.wtlpc.com link to Job. It can be played on windows player and has slides as well. First one is 29 minutes. I hope to post one a week.

You can sign quest book and submit to be notified when I have new recordings posted.

Thank You
Wayne Lampe

By WayneLampe
Posted February 25, 2007 at 12:56 pm
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I have been hard at work updating my web page. Coming very soon I will have audio completed for Job. Right now I have started short Audio for " Lifes's Big Questions".

By WayneLampe
Posted December 24, 2006 at 5:10 pm
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Hello,

On Decmber 10th I was able to present a message at my church. If you go to WTLPC.com there is a link to the message. We had Microphone difficulties twice so there is some silance. After about 5 minutes it is OK.

I share about my ALS. At Christmas time it can be very nice but also lonley. For those who are searching spiritually, it wold be good to listen to it since I have ALS myself. It is reaching my legs rapidly.

I hope to add more to my site. Jesus Christ is The Way, Truth and Light.

Merry Christmass
Wayne Lampe

By WayneLampe
Posted October 12, 2006 at 9:28 pm
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This scripture spoke to me the most during my daily reading:

1st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 23-24

And may the God of peace himself make you holy in every way; and may your spirit and soul and body be free from all sin at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 God, by whom you have been marked out in his purpose, is unchanging and will make it complete.

We are more than this body. Those with ALS know this to be true. In the beggining, in the garden of Eden, man was formed with spirit, soul and body( Genisis 1: 27). Adam and Eve were in perfect communion and talked to God. People ask " Why does God let bad things happen?". This was not God's original plan. It was not until they eat the forbiden fruit that sin entered the world ( Genesis 3:6).

Our society now seeks the opposite of God's original plan. Culture says first importance is our physical bodies. Do we ever go a day without food? look at the importance culture puts on " Great looks and Youth". There is an emphasis on looking perfect to the point people do reconstructive surgery. We are much more then that! We must seek to feed our soul and spirit. It is easy to do. I relized even writng in my journel I would list Health (Body) before anything else. You see the scripture reads "Spirit 1st, soul 2nd and body 3rd. God has a plan to know Him through accepting Jesus Christ as you saviour. We must focus on Him. Our life does not end here on this earth. Our spirit lives forever.

Below is listed a corcordance from Schofield bible for more on Spirit, Soul and Body

1TH 5:23 whole spirit and soul and body
Man a trinity. That the human soul and spirit are not identical is proved by the facts that they are divisible. Hebrews 4:12 and that soul and spirit are sharply distinguished in the burial and resurrection of the body. It is sown a natural body (soma psuchikon= "soul- body"), it is raised a spiritual body (soma pneumatikon). 1 Corinthians 15:44. To assert, therefore, that there is no difference between soul and spirit is to assert that there is no difference between the mortal body and the resurrection body. In Scripture use, the distinction between spirit and soul may be traced. Briefly, that distinction is that the spirit is that part of man which "knows" 1 Corinthians 2:11 his mind; the soul is the seat of the affections, desires, and so of the emotions, and of the active will, the self. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful" Matthew 26:38 see also ; Matthew 11:29; John 12:27. The word transliterated "soul" in the O.T. (nephesh) is the exact equivalent of the N.T. word for soul ( (Greek - eujyucevw ), and the use of "soul" in the O).T. is identical with the use of that word in the N.T.

By WayneLampe
Posted October 11, 2006 at 6:18 am
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I read a bible daily that breaks down the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs into each day. It is a good way to read your bible. I will post sscripture that spoke to me from previous day. I may just list the scripture with or without insight. God's Word is better than anyone's! I hope this sparks your own reading and spiritual walk.

October 10th

Jermiah Chapter 16: Verse 19

"Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of our trouble."

Jerimiah Chapter 17: 7-8

7 " But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8- They are like trees planted along the river bank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit"

1st Thessalonians Capter 4 Verse 13

" I want you to know what will happen to believers who have died so you do not grieve like people that have no hope. ".

Tree's can not live without water. The tap root goes way down and keeps the tree from beiing uprooted when there is drought, fire, or bad storms. If you open up a tree, you can tell the history by the width of the rings. The smaller the distance , it was a bad year. Wider rings means it was fruitful. Our lives are like that as well. What are you rooted in? Our life here on earth is temporary. When you trust in Jesus Christ there is hope beyond this life.

By WayneLampe
Posted September 26, 2006 at 7:47 am
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I have Posted wtlpc.com. I am still working out the buttons and adding some pages. Please check it out and let me know what you think. If something is not working let me know. I can update from my computer.

Thanks
Wayne Lampe

By Warriorwoman
Posted August 3, 2006 at 12:41 pm
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I was raised catholic but it was not until my ALS diagnosis that I turned to God. I felt unworthy and learned forgiveness. I have raised two girls as a single mother for sixteen years of ALS and it was ruff. Early in my illness I became overwhelmed and cried out to God "I can't do this alone." That night I was awaken by a presence that sat down on my bed bedside me. I was too terrified to open my eyes, when a feeling of calm washed over me. Jesus was sitting before me with tears running down his face, arms beckoning me. He held me like a small child, rocking me. I never heard a voice out loud but he spoke to me and said " I feel your pain but know you are never alone, I am always right beside you." When I woke I knew it was not just a dream, it felt so very real. I never felt alone or afraid after that night. I did get overwhelmed when the teenage hormones were bouncing off the walls but once they graduated God rewarded me with my husband of two years. We married on a beach on Kauai and he gave us a double rainbow as a blessing. http://www.cornerstoneweb.org/ is a calvary church I listen to on the web because it was my church before I moved. The pastor is fantastic! I can't wait to hear yours.
Bless you,
Tammy

By Oldchuck
Posted August 3, 2006 at 11:04 am
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Wayne,

Good to see you here, my friend, and especially with your discussion subject. I think that the spirit maybe harder hit than the body with this disease. But it is the spiritual health that can carry us through this. Thanks for offering spiritual guidance for Christians and others who may comfort in your website, which I understand, will discuss Job. It is so fitting to start with this Old Testament chapter, both because of its subject matter (that certainly has a strong message for those of us with an incurable terminal illness) and the fact that the Old Testament casts the net as wide as possible. I look forward to your website. You may wish to consider starting a blog so your work will be easier to find as we navigate through this site. Good luck and God bless you.

By WayneLampe
Posted August 2, 2006 at 8:22 am
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Thanks Allison,

That helps me to know that my 8 year daughter will be OK. It has eased my mind some about after I am gone. I don't have to put pressure to get a lifetime of teaching in a few years. I will just enjoy being with her.

She is very aware of what is happening. She is concerned about when I get to a wheelchair how I will do things and my hands ( Started Right Hand First). SHe is very sweet.

Tyank you for this perspective.

Jesus is The Way,Truth and Life
Wayne Lampe

Welcome to Inspire!

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