The Signs

The signs are all around us.

Today is the last day of August.  The crape myrtles that line my street are losing their blooms. We're beginning to see pumpkin everything - Cheerios, Peeps, and coffee creamer, to name a few - everywhere we turn. And it's time for some football!

The air was cooler and much less humid this morning when I walked.  There's a subtle change in the temperatures, which around here means low 90s instead of upper 90s.  But hey, we'll take what we can get!

All these signs point to one thing.  It's time for fall, y'all!

I know fall doesn't officially make an appearance for about three more weeks.  But turning the calendar page to September, as we will do tomorrow, means it's that time again.  Add in the fact that we're coming up on the Labor Day weekend, and it's as good as official. 

Fall has arrived. The signs are everywhere. You can't help but notice.

There are other signs that are obvious as well.

"But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power."       (2 Timothy 3:1-6a NASB)

I'm certain you have noticed some of these things in our culture.  They are just as obvious as the cooler air and the football season.

We can look at the calendar and know when fall arrives.  We don't know exactly when Jesus will return, but as we look at these signs around us, we are aware the day is closer now than it has ever been.

Are you ready?

 

"People get ready, Jesus is comin',

Soon we'll be going home."

(-Crystal Lewis)

Diary of a Knee Replacement. 5 Months Later.

When I looked at the calendar yesterday, I realized that Sunday was the 5-month anniversary of my knee replacement surgery. It's hard to believe five months have passed already.

My new knee and I are doing very well together.  When I saw the doctor a few weeks ago, he said everything was just as it should be.  I'm walking with no pain and doing things that a few months ago I would have thought impossible.  Most days, unless I notice the scar, I don't even really think about it.

This morning, as I was reflecting on these five months, I'm reminded again just how many reasons I have for giving thanks.  I am very aware that everyone who has knee replacement surgery does not have as good an experience as I had.  I am aware that, even now, people are struggling through recovery and physical therapy.  That awareness causes me to pause and give thanks. 

I am so thankful for my surgeon, Dr. Armocida, and for the team of doctors and nurses who took such good care of me.  I am thankful to have had my surgery at the Villages at Pelham hospital, which I have occasionally been known to refer to as the "Spa at Pelham"!

I am so thankful for Caitlin, my physical therapist, whom I affectionately refer to as the "World's Best Physical Therapist".  Because she is!

Every morning when I'm out walking, I'm thankful for this new knee.  Thankful for Dr. Armocida.  Thankful for Caitlin.

Just so thankful.

Now, if I could only get some of these other aching parts replaced.......

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good."  (Psalm 136:1a NASB)

When a Plan Comes Together

"I love it when a plan comes together."

If you ever watched the TV show "The A-Team" back in the 1980s, you're familiar with that line, a line often spoken by George Peppard's character Hannibal Smith.  On Saturday, I thought a lot about that line.

Several weeks ago, one of our Life Group teachers announced his retirement from teaching.  Max had been teaching Sunday School for 57 years, more than thirty of those years at First Baptist Spartanburg.  From the time Max told us he was going to give up his teaching position, our Life Group began planning a surprise for him.  We had already scheduled our annual picnic at Croft State Park, so that seemed the perfect opportunity.

Plans were set in motion.  Funds were collected.  Notes were written.  Gifts were purchased.  All this unknown to Max and his wife Becky.  And on Saturday, it all came together.  We gathered at the State Park for food and fellowship and for the big surprise.  We were almost the ones who were surprised when it turned out that Max and Becky were running late!

Our plan came together.  Max and Becky arrived.  Between lunch and dessert, we presented the gifts. It was a precious time!  I love it when a plan comes together.

Max and Becky were two of the first people we met when we first began attending First Baptist Spartanburg. On the first morning we visited their class, Max welcomed us by saying, "We're so glad you're here.  We've been praying you would come."

With a greeting like that, why would we visit any other class?  We settled into that group, where we have made many wonderful friends.  That all began with Max and Becky, who welcomed us not only into their class but into their lives.  Isn't that really what a Life Group should do? I love it when a plan comes together.

We feel so blessed to have sat under Max's teaching and to have his influence in our lives.  So blessed to call Max and Becky our friends.  So thankful they aren't going anywhere, but are still a part of our Life Group.  And I feel so blessed and thankful that a couple of years ago, Max gave me the opportunity to have a part in teaching the class.  It's a privilege and a responsibility I cherish and take very seriously.

Saturday was such a fun day.  Such a precious time of honoring two special friends whose lives have influenced so many.  Two friends whose lives shine for Jesus.  Just as He intended.  I love it when a plan comes together.

"Let your lives shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart is the story of corporate trainer Jake Palmer whose career has been about coaching people to know themselves better and deal head-on with the issues that hold them back.  Yet it seems that Jake can't face his own issues.

The story begins with Jake trying to be a hero and defend a young girl who is being bullied back into prostitution.  That scenario doesn't end well, and the storyline picks up more than a year later with Jake trying to heal.  The physical wounds from the altercation have healed, but he is left with horrendous scars.  As a result, his wife has left him, and he is in the process of trying to get his business back on track.  The healing Jake needs is more than just physical healing.

Meanwhile, it's time for the 10th annual summer vacation with friends. As the newly-single person in the group, Jake is reluctant to participate, but is convinced by his best friend that it would be good for him. This vacation leads to his learning about the legend of Willow Lake, a lake with a lost corridor leading to a place where all one's hopes and longings can be fulfilled.

This is a beautifully written story.  Rubart's words draw you into Jake's life. In some ways, Jake's story requires you to stretch your imagination.  Lost corridors leading to mythical healing meadows are not a normal part of our lives, after all.  The best part about The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is that it challenges you to think.  Many people have a journey similar to Jake's, with hurts that are hidden from view. Like Jake, many are in need of healing. Because of that, as readers we so easily relate to Jake. The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is a thought-provoking tale of relationships and hope and healing.

A beautifully written, thought-provoking story.  Interesting characters, much like the people we know in our daily lives.  Lots of twists and turns in the plot. An unexpected ending.  All these make The Long Journey to Jake Palmer worth reading.

BookLookBloggers provided me with a free copy of The Long Journey to Jake Palmer in exchange for my honest review.

Saffire. A Book Review.

I loved this book. Let's just start with that. The history. The storyline. The characters. Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer is one of the best books I've read lately.

The time is 1909. The place is the American Zone of the Panama Canal.  The main character is a man named James Holt, a cowboy from the Dakotas. Holt has been sent to Panama by an unnamed person, who turns out to be President Theodore Roosevelt, to meet with Colonel George Washington Goethals. For meeting with Colonel Goethals, Holt has been promised enough money to prevent the bank from foreclosing on his ranch.  His intent is to hear what the Colonel has to say, decline whatever offer is made, and return home to his orphan daughter.

However, a chance encounter with a young girl of about the same age as his daughter changes all that. Meeting this young girl, Saffire ("because a p and an h is such a silly way to make the f sound"), changes everything. Saffire's mother is missing, and Saffire doesn't believe any of the explanations being handed to her about her mother's whereabouts.  Holt decides to help her, a decision which turns out to be life-changing.  In his words, "I reminded myself that once you start to defend someone, it's difficult to find a place to stop. But I went ahead and took that first step anyway."

Holt's decision draws him into the world of Panamanian politics and a possible revolution. It also leads to meeting the beautiful Raquel Sandoval.

Saffire is beautifully written, fast-paced, and filled with historical accuracy which brings the construction of the Panama Canal to life.  Holt's story is layered on top of the history. Added to that is mystery and political intrigue, topped off with just a hint of a love story.

Saffire is an excellent read, particularly for fans of historical fiction.

I was given a copy of Saffire by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Learning to Say "No"

Several days ago I read a blog post by Priscilla Shirer titled "The 'No' Anointing". When I came across the post on Facebook, the title intrigued me.  I guess that's what titles are supposed to do!  Anyway, the title captured my attention, so I read the post. And I'm glad I did.

"The list of demands and opportunities and errands and activities and invitations is for me, the same as it is for you, endless. Life can easily become a hurricane of overwhelming (and sometimes) mindless activity that leaves us spent, exhausted and unfeeling; our emotional reserves zapped and unavailable for the people who want, need and deserve it most." (Priscilla Shirer, in "The 'No' Anointing")*

Can you relate to what Priscilla wrote? I certainly can. As we move into a new season, there are several opportunities in front of me. I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying about my fall schedule, trying to discern which things to say 'yes' to.  Or should I say 'no'.  To some? To all? There's the dilemma. And it's a dilemma we all face from time to time.

We don't want to become Negative Nellies, always saying 'no' to everything.  Along the way we have to learn that sometimes it's ok say 'no', but we shouldn't always say 'yes' to everything either. Because sometimes 'no' is the right answer.

Priscilla had this to say in her post: "every yes to one thing is a simultaneous no to something else. Time spent here will be time we are not able to invest there."

She makes a valid point. Since most of us are not the superwomen or supermen we might like to be, and since we only have 24 hours in each day, we need to learn to make good choices about how we spend our time. 

Learning to say 'no' is a byproduct of learning when to say 'yes'.  Learning when to say 'yes' comes from learning to listen to God.  Making decisions based on His plan and purpose for my life. Not my plan. Not my friends' plans. Not my church's plan. Not the culture's plan. Or the PTA's plan. Not any plan other than God's plan for me and my life.

Following God's plan and purposes involves taking time to discern what those are.  Taking time to listen to God.  He wants us to know His will, and He will use the Holy Spirit to communicate that to us. We just need to be listening.  We need to be paying attention.  And we can't do that very well if we're so busy with everything that comes our way.

How can I most effectively serve Him? How can I most effectively use my time for His glory? Those are important questions to be asking as we're trying to make decisions about our schedules and determine when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no'.

Learn to listen. Listen to God. That's the first step in learning to say 'no'.

Don't be afraid. That's another important step. When God tells you to do something, you definitely better be about doing it. But when He tells you 'no', you better be all about repeating that to whoever and whatever is vying for your attention.

It's ok to say 'no' sometimes. Obey God. Leave the consequences to Him.**

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NASB)




*   You can find Priscilla's post "The 'No' Anointing" at www.goingbeyond.com
** Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principle #2

How Was Your Day?

Yesterday I shared that may day had gotten off to an unusual start.  Unusual for me, anyway.  From its unusual beginning, my day developed into one that was quite peaceful.  And pleasant.  And productive.

It was a quiet day around here.  The phone didn't ring much.  There weren't many texts.  Molly slept most of the day, and Al is in Belgium for the week so there was nobody to talk to.

I spent much of my morning dealing with issues related to my latest book project, giving final approval to the cover design and working on what I hope will be the final edits on the content.  That gave me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  It feels good to be productive!

Our Life Group has been studying 1 Samuel this summer.  We will finish that out this coming Sunday.  This is not my week to teach, so I left Saul and David behind and moved on to begin my study of 1 Peter, the book we will begin studying in September.  I spread out my Bible and my notebook and my colored pencils, and had a wonderful time digging into Peter's letter.  I'm really excited about this study!

I have received several new books to read and review, so late yesterday afternoon I got started on one of them.  Saffire by Sigmund Brouder is one that is hard to put down, which meant I stayed up too late last night reading.  That may be why it was a little harder to get up this morning than it was yesterday!

Maybe it's because I was up late reading.  Or maybe it's just getting back to the "usual".  In any event,  I didn't wake up as early.  I wasn't exactly wide awake when I crawled out of bed.  It took me a while to get going.  I needed some coffee and some time before I went out for my morning walk.  In spite of that, I met my goal to walk two miles this morning!  Yay me!

It's a beautiful morning.  A beautiful start to what I hope will be another peaceful and pleasant and productive day.

 

 

"This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

(Psalm 118:24 NASB)