Faith-Stories.com Blog

What do those words mean to you?  In the typical sense, favor would mean being granted something you long for or maybe it’s something unexpected.  Increase would be more than you have.

Why do I bring those words up and ask you to ponder them?  A “God-meeting” happened in my life this week.  I did not plan to meet this person and I’m sure he did not plan to deliver me a message.  Ken was going to meet with three men regarding a community-wide event that they want us to speak at.  Ken asked me to take some time to meet these men and a little while after they arrived in our office, I joined them.  I had been in the studio doing some on-air work when they arrived.

They are three very different men who have the best thing in common, the love of the Lord.  Ken and I share their passion and a little while into our conversation about personal testimonies and the Freedom Fair, one of the men (a pastor) said he wanted me to know that the Lord had favor and increase in store for me in the coming months.  Even as I write this, four days later, I am stunned and left questioning exactly what that means.  If you know the Lord and have a personal relationship with Him then you know what these “God-meetings” and “God messages” are all about.  I don’t believe in coincidences and I completely believe that this minister was being used to deliver me a personal message.

It was last year that God used another minister to give me a message.  After a prayer gathering at which I spoke he said God wanted him to tell me to “Be Bold”.  I didn’t know what it meant at the time but upon looking back and seeing where my life has gone over the last year I would have to say that stepping out from the “norm” and doing something bold is an understatement.

At this point, I don’t know what God means by Favor and Increase just like I didn’t understand what Be Bold was all about last year but I truly look forward to the next step of this journey we are on together. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who visit and read our blog.

Blessings,

Betsy

Right now we are in a rush to try and make ends meet through the summer by asking for financial support of Faith Sound Incorporated.  Most ministries struggle through these months as I am learning. In the spirit of giving, back in the day, I would only do it when I felt like I wanted; my terms, my conditions, my own free will, whatever.  Now I have come to learn about giving and why it is so important in time of need (just like this one).  From a free will point I know and understand how tight things are with our economy.  I live in this word too and I’m not blind to the current situation.  But I think now is the time to donate more because we are in a time of such great needs. 

I am learning about givng in the Bible.  Being new to the Lord, it seems at times a little hard to swallow what we are supposed to do with what we have.  I have now become more giving since my new journey, but still some flags go up when I read through scripture.  Here are a few verses that have opened my eyes!

Matthew 6:24

24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: ”He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

And this one is straight to the point!  Romans 12:13 “Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality!”

I have since November really tried to move more towards these acts of kindness and sharing.  But it reminds to do MORE and MORE.  We do need your help, whatever donation you can make.  We are not pressuring you or guilting you into helping.  I feel the Lord will take a hold of this and bless this in His time.  I’m very thankful to a Pastor from Spring Valley, MN. He came to the station today with two fellow church members, farmer Gary and Brian. Betsy and I thanked him and his members for helping us keep our focus on the job at hand for both ministries and sharing some inspirational passages, like this one.   Psalm 118:8 ”It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man”. This speaks loud volumes if you think about it. 
                                                                      
We have a $7000 matching grant going, so you can double your monetary donation because if this.  Thank you for reading and watching www.faith-stories.com.  Click here to help by using your credit card or call 507-289-8585 for more information.  Thank you! 

Ken Quattrin

I’ve never seen a friend of mine pass on to another life.   I have seen family members at the cemetary getting ready for the journey, but I have never seen the final result of the lowering into the ground.  This is the final closure to my friends journey on this Earth.  The final goodbye to my friend Ryan E. Abel.  A strong man who fought to the end with Cystic Fibrosis, but at the end he knew where he was going.  This is a posting I put on his CF Golf Classic Guestbook page about two months after his death….

“It was truly an honor and a pleasure to know Ryan. In such a brief time ( a year and a half) I got to know him, it felt like I knew him for a lifetime. When he was painting my house we spent a lot of time talking and getting to know one another. We enjoyed Ryan coming over to our house on occasion seeing our kids, meeting my folks and having some quality time around the firepit. As his condition was going down hill I got closer to him as a friend and as a “brother” in prayer. It was nice to get to know his mother and his girlfriend and meeting other family members in his final stages at Mayo. I left Ryan one last time in his final days with peace in my heart because I knew he was going to Heaven and was going to be in a much better place. Thinking of Ryan still brings tears to my eyes, but I know for a fact, he would tell me to stop it. He told me he wanted his golf event to be a way for everyone to remember him. Well, lets do it and really rise to the occasion. God Bless Ryan, his family and friends. May they get through this very difficult time. May the Lord bless this event with plenty of smiles, laughing, needed CF donations and fun for all. Ryan would want all of this. My family continues to pray for Ryan, even my three year old knows he’s in Heaven and prays for Ryan EVERY night. Blessings to all. Ryan, I love you and miss you dearly. Ken Quattrin and family.”

I stand by this with my heart, prayers and love for him and to his friends and family.  A lot of tears were shed today because of his memory and legacy.  I was very sad, but I didn’t cry.  The reasoning…I know I will see him again in Heaven.  In such a short amount of time I realized how many folks he touched.  I will visit Ryan quite frequently (okay now I’m crying, especially after seeing the video below!  It seems like yesterday!).  God has you home…we will do all we can to keep your fire alive.  The golf classic in a few weeks will be more special than ever.  If anyone reads this and feels motivated to give maybe a dollar, ten or $100+ I thank you from my heart!  All proceeds go to CF research.  I hope to see you at the golf classic!  

So long Ryan, it’s not goodbye; it’s see you down the road in His kingdom!

Ken Quattrin  

When working for KTTC , I shot and did this interview in 2007…Chris Hrapsky put it together ( thanks Chris )…Please Watch! When you get to the KTTC site, click on the camera icon by Ryan’s picture….
http://www.kttc.com/News/index.php?ID=15841

My bible study partner sent me this video.  It is quite moving!  This was one of the first few things we covered.  Gene always likes to get right into the “good stuff”.  I thank him for his guidence!  This is the verse below.  My question to you…Will you be left like that one guy (and the others) knowing time is up to follow Him, and that it’s too late? 

Ken Quattrin

1 Thessalonians 4

The Coming of the Lord

 13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words. 

I have written much about Ken and our journey over the last year.

Today is our seventh anniversary and when people ask how it’s been I tell them it’s been a good six years and an amazing last year.  So much has happened, I have a hard time comprehending all that our good and gracious God is doing in our lives.

As you may have read in Ken’s previous post, he attended some of a women’s conference that I was blessed to emcee.  He was there to “work” but ended up walking away with an incredible perspective of what the weekend was all about. 

I write this with much encouragement in my heart to share.  A number of women confided in me about their own husbands and asked for guidance as they have heard my testimony with Ken (he went to church with me and wanted our children to grow in “the faith” but didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until recently).  They asked how they could do the same for their husband.  My answer?  Keep praying and, no matter where their spouse is at spiritually, honor them.  As Christian women we cannot beg, nag or hope our husbands into the Kingdom.  Through much answered prayer and God’s abundant grace, we are where we’re at today. 

Please don’t get me wrong.  We are not living in some kind of “eutopian existance” where roses and rainbows are blinding.  We live in the here and now of the reality that is wrought with the headlines of war, famine and political (in)correctness.  But when you set your sights on Jesus Christ, even when things don’t make sense, there is an incredible sense of “being” and purpose.

I love my husband.  I have since the day I met him.  But now, seven years into our marriage (yeah, I know it’s not that long) I can honestly say I’ve never loved him more.  We have much growing to do and God has much ahead of us but He is our foundation and whatever is built on Him, no man can single-handedly tear down.

Happy Anniversary, my love.

Blessings,

Betsy

700+ women and me….nuff said.  Most men I think would be overwhelmed by the odds, or would love the odds if single. I was invited, and briefly attended the Devoted Hearts Conference Friday and Saturday at Autumn Ridge Church here in Rochester. I had to set up Betsy’s and KFSI’s informational booth on Friday and at first I was overwhelmed by the size of the church, then once inside the beauty of it.  While setting up the booth, I found myself scrambling around trying to find a power strip.  Thanks to Tom (the all around fixer/helper guy) he saved the day.  From that point, I felt the warmth of the church from him and others.

After chatting with several nice folks at the church Michelle McKinney Hammond (the featured speaker) came out that evening.  She was talking with Betsy and a few other ladies. I missed her “talk” so I didn’t know her views.  After listening I gestured to Betsy and said we should do a faith story on her.  Michelle agreed and off we went.  Her interview was very eye-opening and I felt blessed to hear her stories.  I won’t say anymore because her faith story will be coming soon.  Let’s just say it made my day and you could see her glowing with love for the Lord!

After the interview I needed to get video (b-roll) of her talking to the audience.  So I went back Saturday to shoot her speaking.  When I walked into the sanctuary, it was packed.  From what I saw, you couldn’t get another person in there with a shoe horn.  Right off the bat I laughed to myself…”I’m surrounded by a lot of estrogen.”  :-)  As I started filming she said, “Okay ladies lets talk about men.”  OHHHH boy.  God sure has a sense of humor…to have me walk in at this exact time.  But from a guy’s stand-point, I liked her message and even I got a charge from her, just like filming the interview. 

At the end of the day is when I trembled in fear as the doors opened and all the women poured out.  That’s when it hit how many ladies were there.  Fear?  I kid, it was awesome to talk to a lot of the ladies.  I can relate to women I think a little bit better than most men.  I was speaking from my heart and shared stories, either from Bible study, working at KFSI or whatever.  I HAD A BLAST! 

So, was I the odd man out?  NO WAY.  It was fun, inspirational, spiritual and moving.  I felt comfortable in my surroundings and we got an awesome faith story to boot.  To wrap this up, all joking aside I thank all of you at Autumn Ridge, all the great ladies, Michelle and the Lord for letting me be a part of seeing the “other side”.  I didn’t get a window seat to peek in, I got a front row seat!  Men, if this opportunity comes along next year…TAKE IT, if possible.  

PS. Happy 7th Anniversery to you Betsy, my wife!  Also happy 27th Anniversery to KFSI…27 years and still going strong!

Ken Quattrin

UPDATE 5-9-08

Michelle’s story is posted

There are many days I wonder if what I’m teaching my children is being retained by their precious, little minds.  I know Connor understands the ABC’s…he sings the songs.  But when it comes to faith, am I doing the job God is pleased with?  I am left wondering that some days and then there are those very rare moments when God, Himself reaffirms the role He specifically blessed me with. 

Please read the following e-mail I received from our daycare provider today.  She rarely e-mails me so, at first, I was a little concerned but upon reading the context I am blessed to have it in writing to share with you.  May you be blessed by the innocent faith of our three-year-old.

Hi Betsy,

I just had to share this with you–I’m afraid I would either forget or it would be too hectic at pick up time. 

Shortly after you left this morning Connor and Logan Choppers got into a disagreement over a toy so I decided that today we would try something a little different.  I put two dining room chairs facing each other and set one boy in each.  They were to sit and talk nicely to each other and show me what good friends they could be.  I sat back, playing with our other friends and listened. 

At first they continued to talk about who had Bob first, then Connor changed the subject.  He asked Logan if he had Jesus in his heart.  Logan lifted up his shirt and said “no, see.”  Connor laughed and said, “No Choppers, you can’t see Jesus in your heart you just feel him and he makes you feel good.  You should get Jesus in your heart.”   Logan’s attention span was depleted by then and he changed the subject to sleeping at grandma’s house, but for that moment, I got to see Jesus in Connor’s heart. 

The next time someone asks me how I can stand to “do” daycare I’ll share this story with them…out of the mouth of babes!

Hope you’re having a great day-we’ve just finished lunch and it’s time for a Veggie Tale (special rainy day treat!)

Love,
Cherie 

I pray you will have a blessed day and may one of these types of “rare moments” regarding your own child be gifted to you, as well.

Betsy

All I can say is WOW. I mentioned this on the radio today, that I have been backstage, partied, hung out etc., with several of my favorite rock and roll bands from the 80s and early 90s, I know what goes on.  I still listen to a few of those groups (please cut me some slack), especially on long road trips going to get sponsors, but it is like a breath of fresh air to see the other side of this genre.  I remember telling Betsy backstage, which was immaculate, what a difference.  There were also three motorbikes backstage.  Now if this was back in the day, what hysteria with beer cans everywhere.  Okay, I digress and move on.  I think you know where I’m going here…

This man gave us a full 45 minutes for the interview…15 more for side-bar sharing of stories.  Unheard of.  He was true to his beliefs, well versed, very knowledgeable and personable.  You can see him shine when he talks about the Lord.  You can see all the Newsboys like that in concert.  It is fun with a loving message from Him through them.  I think one of the best quotes was, “My wife married a husband, not a rock star.  I need to be a major part of my family, you know, do some laundry at times”.  I told Paul the Newsboys stage show reminded me of a KISS concert.  He agreed.  In return he said, “God has provided all of this equipment to help spread the word in this kind of fun atmosphere”.   He also spoke of his misguidings and how God always brings him back to his walk. He never mentioned money or ticket sales or any referance to finance.   Just that God has provided this or that. 

I struggle with that concept at times in all honesty, I think we all may from time to time.  I need to put more faith in HIM.  Being new to all of this; through his story and all our Faith-Stories, one would have to come to a conclusion that He does take care of us.  I just need to realize this concept a lot more and not think from a mind of free will.  Like Paul said, it is all about trust.  Do we trust ourselves, or God?  I will keep working on that!

To make this come full circle, we ended the interview with a hug, not a shot.  We parted with smiles and prayers, not a high five and a firm hand shake looking for the next party.  Part one of the story is up, mostly about the group.  Part two is now out about his faith journey.   Faith-stories.com is featured on the Newsboys website in the chat area about these interviews.  Add your comments!

Thanks for reading…

Ken Q. 

PS-I told Paul I loved Stryper (BIG Christian heavy metal band form the 80s) back in the day and still listen to them once in awhile.  Watch this funny video Betsy found with Paul and Stryper. You can tell they are just kidding around :-) 

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=2877991

How Stryper got their name…Isaiah 53:5

“But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his Stripes we are healed.”

Beautiful Stryper song below…

I think for the very first posting I won’t get too long winded.  As I sit here and type, I hear birds chirping and eating from my feeder on our deck.  We finally have full sunshine and it’s nice and warm (almost 70). My herbs are looking nice and green.  We have parsley, garlic and onion chives, thyme and some lavender (I think that last nip of cold got ‘um).  I had a brief moment this morning to fertilize the lawn, then we both played with the kids (picture below).  The house is now empty as Betsy went to hit the gym (taking the kids) as I have lots of laundry to do before going back outside. 

THIS IS THE LIFE!  NO WORKING WEEKENDS FOR A CAREER.  For eight plus years who knew what real life was about.  God blessed me to get out of my former career and put me in this position. HE knew as well as we that a change had to be made because our kids were missing daddy and I them.  So we kept praying about it.  My own free will could have had me go other places, but when you hear his calling you better answer.  People ask me all the time do I miss doing the weather on TV.  I say “No not really”.  I miss some of the people, but not the hours and all the filling in for other shifts, while my kids had an absent father. I think Betsy missed me too :-)   I still follow the weather, but not as much.  I look to do some storm chasing this year, but at $3.45 per gallon (or $4.oo by Monday) maybe I’ll keep our 98′ Escort in the garage.  If anything weather related opens my eye I will post it.

In closing, I look at the blessings in my life daily with newly opened eyes.   I look back and reflect on all the Faith-Stores we have done and how each one has changed me.  It’s been fun learning how God touches peoples hearts and how HE can get you through anything!  Also, how the Bible is still such a useful learning tool in real life situations.  I look back and forward to all the growing that is ahead, spiritually, career wise, family wise and who knows what else.  I would like to thank all of you who have been watching the stories as we help spread HIS word.  We also would like to thank those individuals and businesses that financially support the radio and Internet ministry.

Make everyday count! I have a tough decision to make…WHAT to put on the grill for dinner

Ken Quattrin  

THIS IS PRICELESS!

As I sat in front of the computer waiting for God to inspire this next posting, Ken suggested three to four topics to write about.  While I told him they were all good ideas, they just didn’t “move” me.  He continued on with his explanation as to what would be nice to write about.  That’s when I reminded him that he is just as much a part of this ministry as I am thus, he should start posting on this blog.  And with that said, Ken will now be putting posts on this page, as well.

We are closing in on a thousand views since posting this link on our site and it’s only been available for less than two months, at this point.  Please feel free to give us your comments and/or prayer requests through this site.

Blessings~

Betsy