Living Free/ Original Design Testimony
by Linda Ford
March 13, 2018
What is my original design? I was sure I knew that. I was a care giver and servant to others. I was a private person. Most people that knew me really didn't "know" me. I didn't even like asking for prayer for myself.
When Don passed away, I was really no longer a care giver. So now what? I started going to a psychologist at Kaiser for help. Then the Living Free opportunity came last April. I couldn't justify wasting a whole Saturday when I had so much to do. I did get a small taste on Sunday morning. Ken made sure two of the ladies from the group came over to me to give me a "reading". Ok. They seemed to be able to see a few things. They both said I was a teacher. Really? What did that mean? Teach Sunday School?
I went on my way and did all the practical things. Then a medical issue arose. After three diagnostic procedures it was confirmed. I had Cancer. This diagnosis came just at the time the 8 week Living Free class was being offered at Open Door. I was at the point I really didn't want to go forward, but I did schedule the surgery, it was scheduled in the middle of the Living Free class. Maybe I wasn't to do it. I felt more than a nudge to do it anyway. Ken and Esther encouraged (really almost politely demanding) I attend.
So I went. I knew it might mean I needed to be vulnerable to others. I liked hiding. The first night proved that it was going to be a life changing adventure. When it came to ministry part, I didn't even turn in the papers with what were words for the person. However, when the papers were read from others, the words I got were similar. I know I had heard from the Holy Spirit at times in the past, but that was usually in a crisis.
From that night on I really started to listen. I believe the Holy Spirit was always speaking but I just wasn't paying attention. The listening included calling a store manager and praying with him. He and I have never really had a good relationship. His two-year-old daughter was having a very serious operation. I called him, asked if I could pray with (not for) him, and he accepted. I did the praying. He sounded as if he was crying after I finished. He is very macho, so that would not be something he would have wanted me to know. I found out a few days later that he didn't believe in prayer or "any of that religious stuff". The daughter's operation was very successful. I believe that little girl will be an influence in her father's life.
Going through the strongholds during the class and on my own has shown me what had been blocking so much of my spiritual growth. It also showed me it was blocking allowing God to love me like He longs to love me. The class opened the door.
My biggest stronghold is fear. Fear of people seeing the real. Fear of being rejected. Fear of what people would think of me. It would take pages upon pages to list them all. When the fear rises now, I just take it to God to have the Holy Spirit help me through the fear.
The teaching word spoken in last April's Living Free Seminar became apparent. First, there has been three ladies I know that needed the same diagnostic testing I had. Each feared cancer. Each had been through many trials and just had had enough. I related my story to each. All completed the testing and all three did not have cancer. Two of the three were not believers.
Teaching has also included giving people words the Holy Spirit has given me for them. Some have been flatly rejected, at least for now. Others have received them with joy. When I am sure the words come from the Holy Spirit, I have not let it stop me.
I also brought a copy of the materials from the class to the psychologist. While she never stated it, I truly believe she was not a believer. She reviewed the material and she saw the change in me. She said it was going to be something she was going to use in her practice. I haven't seen her for several months so I don't know where she is.
I still am a care giver. The care giving has moved more to the spiritual realm and less the physical realm.
I find myself doing things I would have not done a year ago. Fear would have stopped me. When I have that indescribable peace you know the Spirit is giving you, fear flees. Opening yourselves to the teaching of The Living Free Seminar will open a new spiritual adventure in your life. I am planning to attend it also. There will be new things the Spirit will be wanting to show me.
Linda Ford
When Don passed away, I was really no longer a care giver. So now what? I started going to a psychologist at Kaiser for help. Then the Living Free opportunity came last April. I couldn't justify wasting a whole Saturday when I had so much to do. I did get a small taste on Sunday morning. Ken made sure two of the ladies from the group came over to me to give me a "reading". Ok. They seemed to be able to see a few things. They both said I was a teacher. Really? What did that mean? Teach Sunday School?
I went on my way and did all the practical things. Then a medical issue arose. After three diagnostic procedures it was confirmed. I had Cancer. This diagnosis came just at the time the 8 week Living Free class was being offered at Open Door. I was at the point I really didn't want to go forward, but I did schedule the surgery, it was scheduled in the middle of the Living Free class. Maybe I wasn't to do it. I felt more than a nudge to do it anyway. Ken and Esther encouraged (really almost politely demanding) I attend.
So I went. I knew it might mean I needed to be vulnerable to others. I liked hiding. The first night proved that it was going to be a life changing adventure. When it came to ministry part, I didn't even turn in the papers with what were words for the person. However, when the papers were read from others, the words I got were similar. I know I had heard from the Holy Spirit at times in the past, but that was usually in a crisis.
From that night on I really started to listen. I believe the Holy Spirit was always speaking but I just wasn't paying attention. The listening included calling a store manager and praying with him. He and I have never really had a good relationship. His two-year-old daughter was having a very serious operation. I called him, asked if I could pray with (not for) him, and he accepted. I did the praying. He sounded as if he was crying after I finished. He is very macho, so that would not be something he would have wanted me to know. I found out a few days later that he didn't believe in prayer or "any of that religious stuff". The daughter's operation was very successful. I believe that little girl will be an influence in her father's life.
Going through the strongholds during the class and on my own has shown me what had been blocking so much of my spiritual growth. It also showed me it was blocking allowing God to love me like He longs to love me. The class opened the door.
My biggest stronghold is fear. Fear of people seeing the real. Fear of being rejected. Fear of what people would think of me. It would take pages upon pages to list them all. When the fear rises now, I just take it to God to have the Holy Spirit help me through the fear.
The teaching word spoken in last April's Living Free Seminar became apparent. First, there has been three ladies I know that needed the same diagnostic testing I had. Each feared cancer. Each had been through many trials and just had had enough. I related my story to each. All completed the testing and all three did not have cancer. Two of the three were not believers.
Teaching has also included giving people words the Holy Spirit has given me for them. Some have been flatly rejected, at least for now. Others have received them with joy. When I am sure the words come from the Holy Spirit, I have not let it stop me.
I also brought a copy of the materials from the class to the psychologist. While she never stated it, I truly believe she was not a believer. She reviewed the material and she saw the change in me. She said it was going to be something she was going to use in her practice. I haven't seen her for several months so I don't know where she is.
I still am a care giver. The care giving has moved more to the spiritual realm and less the physical realm.
I find myself doing things I would have not done a year ago. Fear would have stopped me. When I have that indescribable peace you know the Spirit is giving you, fear flees. Opening yourselves to the teaching of The Living Free Seminar will open a new spiritual adventure in your life. I am planning to attend it also. There will be new things the Spirit will be wanting to show me.
Linda Ford