Heidi M. Allen...Missing...Do you remember?

Daylight Savings Time…ugh! Thankfully people like Jeanette Levellie share their optimistic and joyful thoughts about Daylight Savings Time (DST) at http://networkedblogs.com/v2edL to keep people like me focused. For an uplifting DST blog I encourage you to visit Jeanette’s blog. If you would like to learn why the opposite emotions are true for me, read on.

Three months ago as Rev. Foti and I talked about a time for me to come and speak at his church, he asked “Is March 11th okay?” and I checked my calendar and all was a go. It wasn’t until later that day as I transferred the engagement to our family calendar that I realized this would be Daylight Savings Time.

Don’t you just love the way God works? I do. Instead of burying my head under the pillow in dread for today I have spent weeks in prayer and preparation.

Today represents the 18th DST since Heidi’s kidnapping. The first of three anchors, that trigger memories of the day my one and only sister, Heidi M. Allen was kidnapped. She disappeared on April 3rd, 1994. This cold and snowy Easter Sunday marked the last time I saw my sister alive. She remains missing today.  

God has used this time of deeper prayer and preparation to share Heidi and my story with others to stretch my faith and outlook towards the three markers that typically trigger sadness. There are no mistakes or accidents when God is involved.

*The first time I spoke was on a Thursday evening ~
Thursday was our “Sister Day”.

*The first time I am to speak on a Sunday morning is Daylight Savings Time.

I’m thankful for God’s handiwork in my life and look forward to stepping outside of my box more and more to serve him. Over the next few weeks I will share pictures of Heidi, of Heidi and me together, and the stories that go along with them.

While it is sad to lose a loved one, the hope and love found in a relationship with Jesus provide the strength to persevere. I write for Him and for my beloved sister.

Later this afternoon visit my “Forum” page to learn a snip-it from this morning’s speaking engagement at Port City Assembly of God.

Tomorrow “Monday with Mags” will be sharing about her Aunt Heidi, the aunt she never met. I hope you will join her and learn how it feels to be the niece to the missing.

In His strength,
Lisa