Tuesday, April 23, 2013

2 jewels in His crown!...

There are many dear and precious loved ones I've known who are already in heaven, people who were 'saints' for sure. 

There are others still among us, and I want to honor 2 of them today. Dr.Harold Sala and his wife Darlene. I am giving you a link to their site: http://www.guidelines.org/about_salas.asp
http://www.guidelines.org/what_is_gl.asp

This couple has spent their lives together, faithfully serving God, first on the mission field, later with their own ministry, Guidelines International in Southern California. They still travel all over the world, preaching, teaching, training, writing books, encouraging and ministering. Dr.Sala has 5 minute radio broadcasts in more than 1000 cities around the world, called Guidelines.

 Here's why I choose to honor them today.

My dad had an office in Harold's building in Laguna Niguel, California, for many years. Mostly, dad's office was vacant, as he traveled constantly, but it held some of his dearest possessions, his books. It also was up the stairs from Guidelines, and the Sala's. My parents spoke of their love for the Sala's so many times, that we (my sister, brother and I, all felt like they were family... and they were, to us. They still are!

The love between the Sala's and my parents was a gift to our family.

When my dad had the stroke that several days later took his life, Harold and Darlene Sala were the first to join us at the hospital. Darlene didn't say a word, just put her arm around me and laid her head on my shoulder. If she knew how many times that gesture comforted me when I relived those days. It was the exact thing I needed.

Harold simply,quietly, and in the background, arranged everything. I mean everything. He took us to the funeral home, arranged the church, the 13 ministers who had been a big part of dad's life, and would speak for 5 minutes each at dad's memorial service, and all the background work the service involved. And then he lead the service.

 In looking back, I simply don't know what the 3 of us and our mother would have done without them. They were the hands of God to our family.

Both Harold and Darlene have written and published many books. I can wholeheartedly recommend them. I have both read, and given as gifts many of the  books they have written. Harold writes with clarity, depth and insight, he is a fountain of knowledge, and all of it reflects his deep love for the Lord. Darlene writes for women, to encourage and edify. Her writing does both, and so much more. She is gentle,wise and always relevant. They speak and write the same way they live their lives.

They are 'the real deal'... their lives ring true, their ministry and how they honor God in all they do, makes me want to share them with you today. When God's people have walked with Him for a lifetime, there is something so strong and shining about their lives, a testimony that we need to see more of, especially in today's world. These are 2 of  them.

Harold and Darlene, I love you both, you already know that. Thank you, for being a faithful example to me, to our family, and to all those you minister to. 

It's like someone said... 'when I grow up, I want to be just like you'... it's how I feel about the Sala's... a lofty goal, to be sure!


11 comments:

Sharon said...

These people sound wonderful! Isn't it amazing how God brings people into our lives, and we are just blessed by their presence and influence. I also have some spiritual shoulders that have supported me - and I am so thankful for them.

GOD BLESS!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

What a beautiful tribute...truly jewels in the Body of Christ, may we all learn from their example.
I think you are more than on your way to being like them!

Vee said...

This was so cool to me that I just took off to visit there, signed up for their newsletter, and forgot to leave a comment. Not nice! Thank you for telling us about these dear saints in a way that made them very real.

Felisol said...

The story about the Sala's reminds me of of one of my Top Twenty verses from the Bible. Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
Your father had been casting bread for years and years, and when his family needed help more than ever, and he himself, the giant, lay helpless, God sent his best servants back to help out his family.

We should never stop to praise God's faithfulness nor his servants who are willingly going the extra mile.

Yes, I am glad to be back, Sonja. It's all Grace upon grace.

Debbie said...

Of all the grand and (self) glorious things that people aspire to be, THIS is what we should all aspire to be, IMO.

(I loved the part about 13 ministers speaking five minutes apiece at your dad's funeral. I just finished a day of Bible study on the topic of sharing and cooperating with our gifts. What an example that must have been of just that.)

myletterstoemily said...

what a gift that you knew and had the privilege
to be loved by such treasures. i'm confident
they would say the same about you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I will look into their ministry, Sonja. I'm so glad for their spiritual tenure and for all the ways they've been faithful to the Father.

We need soul-friends to take care of us, especially in our times of great need.

peace~elaine

Just a little something from Judy said...

What a gift to you and your family. God does that for us. Gives us those who walk with us, who we can learn from and gain insights from. I am thankful that you introduced me to Guidelines. I look forward to reading them. A very nice tribute to this dear couple.

Kathleen said...

The name is so familiar to me. I may have read his books before, and certainly I'll have to check out the links. Any friend/hero of yours is, I'm sure, deserving.

Sure makes me miss my folks and their friends ... all of them residing in that other realm now.

Debbie Petras said...

I somehow missed this post but I'm glad I found it. What a beautiful example of what to do when someone you love and care about is going through a difficult time. So often people stay away because they don't know what to say. The way Darlene comforted you without words was perfect. And I love that Harold made arrangements for your dad when I'm sure your family was so grieved and tired. Now that's true friendship! I will check out the link you included to their site.

Love you,
Debbie

Soul's Panting said...

So refreshing to hear you talk about these folks - I have people like that in my life for which I thank God every day. Many blessings, Sonja!