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The Memoirs of Sara Jane Landess

I have had a happy life. I was born to parents who were notable and hard working. They loved and raised and educated my sister and me. They took us to church and taught us that church was a good place to be. There I learned to love Jesus. There I learned to love singing. There I met the blessed man I married. He has always been my strong help and support in everything.

The Lord granted us five beautiful, wonderful children. We love them so much! But I have never fully understood why they wanted to grow up and move on. It did, however, provide us with thirteen amazing and wonderful grandchildren, who we also love, as well as my daughters and sons-in-law.

As time moved on, one day, the most astounding thing happened when I felt the need to make a covenant with the Lord. In April of 1974, I was a busy young mother of 5 children I loved dearly. They ranged in age from 5 months to 14 years of age. The world was changing around me and I was very concerned about the way it was going. I had been worried for some time. Knowing that I could do nothing alone to change that, (a glass bubble to protect them was beyond my expertise, and funding power) and knowing that the best help comes from the Lord, I went to Him.

In the quiet and peace of my room at 10 P.M.- just about the only time and place that I could find peace and quiet – I went down on my knees to lay out my fears and hopes before Him, while my husband quietly watched TV and the children were asleep.

Divorces and custody battles were becoming commonplace, and I didn’t want them for my family. Also there were wars, crimes and drugs – bad influences all over. I wanted my family to be protected from it all. I knew that the Lord was my only real solution to all of those problems, and I knew my young ones and their ability to find or create problems. I asked the Lord to guard them and guide them in everything of importance, and to give each of my children “One happy marriage to last for a lifetime “A happy marriage is one of the greatest gifts God can give you in this earthly life. I know that from personal experience. I wanted Him to choose their friends, their schools, their contacts and acquaintances everywhere. Only then, in my eyes, would they be safe for a lifetime.

Realizing what I asked of Him, and having nothing of value to offer Him in exchange, - not an extra nickel in my pocket, and scarcely a free minute to offer, I was bereft, not knowing what to do. But I pledged all that I was or ever would be, and all that I possessed or in any way controlled, and instantly knew in my heart that it was no bargain for God Almighty – why anyone, let alone God, would want to take up such an offer because there was a mortgage on the house, and at any given moment I couldn’t control anything – including my 5 children. I offered to continue to do all that I could if He would do the rest. And, to prove that fact – that I was earnest, I promised that I would be on my knees in prayer every day of my life, and that I would read one chapter of the Bible every day.

Well, there it was, - a promise made to the Lord. No flashing lights, no bells or whistles, no ringing phone or contract to answer or sign. But I had made a pledge and I had been on my knees. I decided to assume that it was valid. And that I had a working agreement with the Lord of Hosts. I hurried downstairs to get a Bible and decided to begin at the beginning – didn’t want to miss anything. I wanted to really know the Lord to whom I had entrusted my most treasured possessions.

And thereby I began the greatest adventure of my life. I began with Genesis 1:1, and read the first chapter. I was weary, but excited. My new routine had begun. Where would it lead?

In fact, it led to a whole new life. I was faithful to my pledge, as I had meant to be, and I came to know and love the Lord so greatly. I really began to feel like a Jewish mother - my mind kept saying “watch it, kids. You are heading for trouble” just as I often did with my own young ones. The Lord knows best. Obey Him. On and on through their history, and living through my life, I came to see Him as Leader and Guide through their lives and my own.

And my prayers changed too. They widened to include more and more people and problems and requests for answers. I saw a bigger picture, learned more, experienced more and, hopefully, did more good as He was guarding me as He did my family. He did indeed give each one of my children a happy marriage – some for nearly 25 years. (as of this writing) He has increased all that I have – family, influence, wealth – blessings of every sort. And I can never thank Him enough! He is wonderful! Wonderful!

In the chapters between Genesis 1:1 and Revelations 22:21, He gives answers to every question and problem. And he so often would lead me straight to the answer I needed. He knew that I would be reading that night.

I know read one chapter from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament and two Psalms each and every night. Ever answer is there. So often I have felt His hand in mine as I do something that I know He wants done. I say “Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah.”

His song has been in my heart for so long now. It’s there every morning when I wake up and the last thing I’m aware of when I fall asleep. My family and friends have crowned my life with blessings and I know it is His doing. Gifts of flowers, food, cards and other gifts, for which I need to thank them & Him. For so many wonderful pastors and people, who have touched my life.

And as my life comes to a close, though I love so many people of this earth, and will miss so very many things here, it is with great joy that I will soon meet the Lord I have loved for so long.

I cannot say enough about the ways He blessed my life. He guided and guarded us all and granted me more than I ever dreamed I would have. He led me to the people I needed, granted me answers in His Word more often than I can count, carried us safely everywhere and gave me the opportunity to help others. He revived me when I was weary, showed me the way to go, gave me all that I needed and granted miracles time and time again. He is wonderful,, this Living Lord.