Have you ever started a project and then not finished it because your mind wandered to somewhere else? And then you remembered another thing that needed doing. Or a phone call you needed to make. And then you decided to check Facebook or your texts. And then you needed a snack. But maybe you should walk the dog first. But you need to finish this chapter. Except you just remembered that you have clothes in the washing machine that need to go in the dryer. But first you'll go make another cup of coffee.
Can anyone relate?
We all get distracted from time to time. Life is busy, and our schedules are filled with places to be and things to do.
Sometimes distractions are a good thing. We can be going through the busyness of the day and then find ourselves distracted by the beauty of a flower. Or by a sunset. Or by a song we hear. Or by the sound of children at play. At those times we hit the pause button on life, set aside for a moment whatever we might have been focused on, and enjoy the beauty. We take time to smell the roses, to borrow a phrase. Those are good distractions.
Too often, however, distractions are not good things.
Too often, however, we allow distractions to keep us from more important things, like the Word of God. We allow the busyness of life to get in the way. We even allow good things, like family and friends, to become distractions, keeping us from best things, like time with the Lord. We too often use friends and family as an excuse, rather than seeking to find the right balance. As a result, relationships with family, with friends, and with the Lord can suffer.
In addition, we allow the media to distract us. Politicians would like to keep us distracted. The enemy of our souls would like to keep us distracted.
That's the greatest danger of all. That the enemy of our souls would keep us so distracted, whether by busyness or by false teachers or by media and political pundits with their particular agendas. That distraction is the one we must guard most against.
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us so busy and so distracted by our religion and our politics and our good works that we miss the most important thing - our relationship with Jesus.
Don't give your enemy the victory! Don't get distracted!
"You therefore, beloved....be on your guard." (2 Peter 3:17 NASB)
"Be on guard." (2 Timothy 4:15 NASB)
"Be on guard, so that your heart will not be weighted down...." (Luke 21:34 NASB)
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB)
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Offended
A lot has been said and written lately about being offended.
People are offended by skin color and sexual preference. By flags. By politics.
It seems that everyday, we find something else that offends us. It borders on the ridiculous, really. We have become the United States of the Offended. What ever happened to the days when, if I disagreed with you or you disagreed with me, we just agreed to disagree?
Those days are long gone, apparently. It seems we prefer to be offended.
But what about this kind of "offended":
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT, emphasis mine)
Something to think about.
"Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." - Billy Graham
People are offended by skin color and sexual preference. By flags. By politics.
It seems that everyday, we find something else that offends us. It borders on the ridiculous, really. We have become the United States of the Offended. What ever happened to the days when, if I disagreed with you or you disagreed with me, we just agreed to disagree?
Those days are long gone, apparently. It seems we prefer to be offended.
But what about this kind of "offended":
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT, emphasis mine)
Something to think about.
"Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." - Billy Graham
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Out of Tune
In the years since I first sat on a piano bench in our living room and learned to play the brand new spinet piano my parents had purchased for me, I have had opportunity to play many pianos. Large ones and smaller ones. Brand new ones and older ones. Concert grands and small spinets.
I have played in living rooms and practice rooms. In churches, large and small. In gardens and under tents. In grand concert halls and in much smaller venues. And even though I am no longer able to play as I once did, I am still aware that all these places and all these instruments have something in common. For a piano to sound its best, no matter who is playing it, it needs to be in tune.
When our younger son was about three years old, he began learning to play the violin. Although he has since abandoned the violin in favor of the guitar, I still have very vivid memories of those early days with his tiny violin. The first song he learned to play was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, followed by five variations on that theme. From the beginning notes of Twinkle to the Bach minuets that came later, all of us within earshot of Brandon's violin learned early on the importance of an instrument that is in tune. In fact, I would venture to say that nothing sounds quite as bad as an out of tune violin!
Any musical instrument needs to be in tune to sound its best. The writer of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing used that analogy in this hymn line:
"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy praise."*
For us to live life the way God intends, for us to praise Him as we should, for us to be reflecting Jesus and letting our light shine for Him (see Matthew 5:16), we need to be in tune.
However, the reality of life is that sometimes we are out of sorts. Out of tune. It happens because life happens. We are tired or insecure or frustrated. Our feelings have been hurt. We've been offended. We're discouraged. We're angry. We're sad. We're jealous. There are any number of reasons or events or emotions that send us over the edge, and those differ from person to person. What sends me into an emotional puddle and puts my life out of tune is likely different from what would do the same to you.
During this year and a half since I had a stroke, I have occasionally found myself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune. Perhaps it's all part of the natural course of things following such a major trauma. Perhaps it's the fatigue that is part of stroke recovery. Perhaps it's the frustration when I can't remember things or can't do what I was once able to do. Whatever. The reality is that sometimes I'm out of tune.
Perhaps you may find yourself occasionally out of tune. The circumstances of my life are not the same as yours. You may be out of tune because of a personal relationship. Or a financial difficulty. Maybe you lost your job or your spouse was laid off. Maybe there's an issue with one of your children or your grandchildren. Maybe you were falsely accused of something. Maybe someone you thought was your friend turned out not to be. Maybe your best friend is being anything but friendly. Whether finances or relationships or something entirely different, you may find yourself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune.
There are as many reasons for being out of tune as there are people. Perhaps more. We all have different life circumstances. We all respond differently.
Whether we have a major meltdown or we are just a bit out of sorts, the reality of life is that from time to time each of us is a bit out of tune. When those times come, and they will, what are we to do?
1. Read and Remember.
I am a big advocate for writing things down. (I have always been a big believer in writing things down, but especially in this post-stroke season of my life when remembering is such a challenge.) Writing down your prayer list. Writing out your prayers. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down all the reasons you have for being grateful. These out-of-tune-times prove the value of those lists. When you are out of tune, when you are discouraged, when you are frustrated, when you feel you've hit rock bottom.......these are the times you get your journal out, not so much for writing as for reading. In these out-of-tune-times you read back through your lists and you remember.
When you refresh your memory with all the good things about your life, with all the ways God has blessed you, and with all the good things that have happened to you, then you are encouraged. Reading the list helps you remember God's goodness to you. When you remember how good God has been and remember all the ways He has blessed you, your focus is turned away from your negative circumstances.
"This I recall to my mind, and therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." (Lamentation 3:21-22 NASB)
2. Change your focus.
Often we are out of tune because we are spending so much time thinking about everything that is wrong with life. This focus only causes us to be more out of tune. Turn your focus away from yourself and your circumstances, and toward God. This requires a deliberate act of your will. Choose to think differently. Choose to change your focus. Think about God, about His character and His ways. Think about the names by which He is called in Scripture. Make a deliberate effort to focus your attention toward Him and away from your circumstances.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
3. Talk about it.
I don't mean talk about it to your friend or your neighbor or to the entire social media community. Rather, I mean talk to the Lord about it. Tell Him exactly how you feel, and why. Pour out your heart to Him. In the words of the old hymn, "Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted? Tell it to Jesus."**
Spending time in prayer, being honest with God, is the best way I know to get your heart back in tune.
"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB)
4. Choose joy.
Make a deliberate choice, as an act of your will rather than your emotions, to choose to be joyful in spite of your circumstances. It may take a while for your circumstances to change. Just like a piano, the more out of tune your life is, the longer it will take to tune it. But no matter how long it takes for circumstances to change, and even if they never do, choose joy.
Make the choice. I've often heard Kay Arthur say we should "Philippians 4:8" everything. It's good advice.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NASB)
Remembering and refocusing and talking to the Lord always helps get me back in tune. If you're feeling a little out of tune today, I'm praying these suggestions will help get you back in tune, too.
"Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)
* Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: words, Robert Robinson; music, John Wyeth
**Tell It to Jesus: words and music, Edmund S. Lorenz
I have played in living rooms and practice rooms. In churches, large and small. In gardens and under tents. In grand concert halls and in much smaller venues. And even though I am no longer able to play as I once did, I am still aware that all these places and all these instruments have something in common. For a piano to sound its best, no matter who is playing it, it needs to be in tune.
When our younger son was about three years old, he began learning to play the violin. Although he has since abandoned the violin in favor of the guitar, I still have very vivid memories of those early days with his tiny violin. The first song he learned to play was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, followed by five variations on that theme. From the beginning notes of Twinkle to the Bach minuets that came later, all of us within earshot of Brandon's violin learned early on the importance of an instrument that is in tune. In fact, I would venture to say that nothing sounds quite as bad as an out of tune violin!
Any musical instrument needs to be in tune to sound its best. The writer of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing used that analogy in this hymn line:
"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy praise."*
For us to live life the way God intends, for us to praise Him as we should, for us to be reflecting Jesus and letting our light shine for Him (see Matthew 5:16), we need to be in tune.
However, the reality of life is that sometimes we are out of sorts. Out of tune. It happens because life happens. We are tired or insecure or frustrated. Our feelings have been hurt. We've been offended. We're discouraged. We're angry. We're sad. We're jealous. There are any number of reasons or events or emotions that send us over the edge, and those differ from person to person. What sends me into an emotional puddle and puts my life out of tune is likely different from what would do the same to you.
During this year and a half since I had a stroke, I have occasionally found myself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune. Perhaps it's all part of the natural course of things following such a major trauma. Perhaps it's the fatigue that is part of stroke recovery. Perhaps it's the frustration when I can't remember things or can't do what I was once able to do. Whatever. The reality is that sometimes I'm out of tune.
Perhaps you may find yourself occasionally out of tune. The circumstances of my life are not the same as yours. You may be out of tune because of a personal relationship. Or a financial difficulty. Maybe you lost your job or your spouse was laid off. Maybe there's an issue with one of your children or your grandchildren. Maybe you were falsely accused of something. Maybe someone you thought was your friend turned out not to be. Maybe your best friend is being anything but friendly. Whether finances or relationships or something entirely different, you may find yourself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune.
There are as many reasons for being out of tune as there are people. Perhaps more. We all have different life circumstances. We all respond differently.
Whether we have a major meltdown or we are just a bit out of sorts, the reality of life is that from time to time each of us is a bit out of tune. When those times come, and they will, what are we to do?
1. Read and Remember.
I am a big advocate for writing things down. (I have always been a big believer in writing things down, but especially in this post-stroke season of my life when remembering is such a challenge.) Writing down your prayer list. Writing out your prayers. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down all the reasons you have for being grateful. These out-of-tune-times prove the value of those lists. When you are out of tune, when you are discouraged, when you are frustrated, when you feel you've hit rock bottom.......these are the times you get your journal out, not so much for writing as for reading. In these out-of-tune-times you read back through your lists and you remember.
When you refresh your memory with all the good things about your life, with all the ways God has blessed you, and with all the good things that have happened to you, then you are encouraged. Reading the list helps you remember God's goodness to you. When you remember how good God has been and remember all the ways He has blessed you, your focus is turned away from your negative circumstances.
"This I recall to my mind, and therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." (Lamentation 3:21-22 NASB)
2. Change your focus.
Often we are out of tune because we are spending so much time thinking about everything that is wrong with life. This focus only causes us to be more out of tune. Turn your focus away from yourself and your circumstances, and toward God. This requires a deliberate act of your will. Choose to think differently. Choose to change your focus. Think about God, about His character and His ways. Think about the names by which He is called in Scripture. Make a deliberate effort to focus your attention toward Him and away from your circumstances.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
3. Talk about it.
I don't mean talk about it to your friend or your neighbor or to the entire social media community. Rather, I mean talk to the Lord about it. Tell Him exactly how you feel, and why. Pour out your heart to Him. In the words of the old hymn, "Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted? Tell it to Jesus."**
Spending time in prayer, being honest with God, is the best way I know to get your heart back in tune.
"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB)
4. Choose joy.
Make a deliberate choice, as an act of your will rather than your emotions, to choose to be joyful in spite of your circumstances. It may take a while for your circumstances to change. Just like a piano, the more out of tune your life is, the longer it will take to tune it. But no matter how long it takes for circumstances to change, and even if they never do, choose joy.
Make the choice. I've often heard Kay Arthur say we should "Philippians 4:8" everything. It's good advice.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NASB)
Remembering and refocusing and talking to the Lord always helps get me back in tune. If you're feeling a little out of tune today, I'm praying these suggestions will help get you back in tune, too.
"Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)
* Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: words, Robert Robinson; music, John Wyeth
**Tell It to Jesus: words and music, Edmund S. Lorenz
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Proclaim Liberty
"Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
Those words from Leviticus 25 are inscribed on a bell we have come to know as the Liberty Bell, originally cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in East London, England, and now housed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Today we celebrate liberty. We celebrate our nation's independence. July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, and we celebrate every year on this day.
But our independence, our freedom, is about more than a one-day-a-year celebration. It's about more than picnics and parades. It's about more than fireworks and flag-waving and funnel cakes. No matter how you choose to celebrate today, keep in mind the reason for the celebration!
We celebrate today because a group of men gathered together on this date in 1776 to sign a document proclaiming our independence from Great Britain. We celebrate because there were men willing to risk all they had to fight for that independence. We celebrate because, in that year and in all the years since, men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom. We celebrate because we are a free people, with rights and privileges only dreamed of by many around the world.
Our freedom as Americans is something to celebrate every day of the year, not just on one day in the middle of summer. It's something to be cherished and protected. It's something we must never take for granted, but continually be thankful for.
Our freedom as Americans is a precious thing that must be guarded and defended. Just the verse on the Liberty Bell reminds us, we must "proclaim liberty throughout the land"! And if that is true of our freedom as Americans, how much more is all that true of our freedom in Christ!
Freedom in Christ isn't something just to be celebrated once a week on Sundays, but to be celebrated and cherished and treasured and proclaimed every day! Because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36 ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2 ESV)
[Jesus said] "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 ESV)
Free indeed! Free in Christ Jesus! Our freedom in Christ is not dependent on political parties or political correctness or political whim. That freedom is all and only in and through Christ Jesus!
Free indeed!
Proclaim that freedom "throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"!
"Let Freedom Ring" - The Gaither Vocal Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU
Those words from Leviticus 25 are inscribed on a bell we have come to know as the Liberty Bell, originally cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in East London, England, and now housed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Today we celebrate liberty. We celebrate our nation's independence. July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, and we celebrate every year on this day.
But our independence, our freedom, is about more than a one-day-a-year celebration. It's about more than picnics and parades. It's about more than fireworks and flag-waving and funnel cakes. No matter how you choose to celebrate today, keep in mind the reason for the celebration!
We celebrate today because a group of men gathered together on this date in 1776 to sign a document proclaiming our independence from Great Britain. We celebrate because there were men willing to risk all they had to fight for that independence. We celebrate because, in that year and in all the years since, men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom. We celebrate because we are a free people, with rights and privileges only dreamed of by many around the world.
Our freedom as Americans is something to celebrate every day of the year, not just on one day in the middle of summer. It's something to be cherished and protected. It's something we must never take for granted, but continually be thankful for.
Our freedom as Americans is a precious thing that must be guarded and defended. Just the verse on the Liberty Bell reminds us, we must "proclaim liberty throughout the land"! And if that is true of our freedom as Americans, how much more is all that true of our freedom in Christ!
Freedom in Christ isn't something just to be celebrated once a week on Sundays, but to be celebrated and cherished and treasured and proclaimed every day! Because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36 ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2 ESV)
[Jesus said] "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 ESV)
Free indeed! Free in Christ Jesus! Our freedom in Christ is not dependent on political parties or political correctness or political whim. That freedom is all and only in and through Christ Jesus!
Free indeed!
Proclaim that freedom "throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"!
"Let Freedom Ring" - The Gaither Vocal Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU
Monday, July 2, 2018
Refreshed
It has been said that all good things must come to an end. That is certainly true of vacations. Today is back to reality. But even as I am experiencing the "reentry" that comes after a vacation, I am feeling renewed and refreshed.
What a relaxing week it was. No particular agenda. No appointments or doctor visits that had to be kept. No chores to be done.
Just relaxing. Laughing. Talking. Making memories together. A week of giggles and snorts and belly laughs. The sounds of love. The sounds of family.
We celebrated a birthday. We had family pictures made. We enjoyed some of the beauty of God's creation.
Now it's back to "real" life! Yet even as I'm faced with unpacking and sorting laundry and putting things away, there's a smile on my face.
Relaxed. Refreshed. Renewed.
We had a week of smiles and giggles and laughter. It was conversation. It was together. It was family.
Family. One of life's greatest blessings.
The vacation is over. But the memories will last a lifetime.
More happy than my heart can hold.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1 ESV)
Monday, June 18, 2018
Today I Will.....
Do you ever feel as though the world has gone crazy?
We have just come through a primary election season here in South Carolina, listening to the never-ending blah blah blah that seems to be part of politics in this country these days. And it isn't over yet, because some races are yet to be decided, so there will be more campaign commercials filling the airwaves until those races are settled in a couple of weeks. And then it goes on until the general election in November.
Besides state politics, we are inundated daily with the vitriol that is national politics in this country. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are on, surely the one thing we can agree on is that there is anger and frustration and disagreement abounding on all sides.
Put all that on top of the stress and frustration that often characterize daily living, and it's all a bit more than we think we can deal with. I don't know about you, but in my stroke-recovery-world, all the stress and arguing and noise pollution of life cause me some stress.
So today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustrations of daily living, I will remember:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
The word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)
You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustrations of daily living, I will trust:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:4 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will give thanks:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV)
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will not be afraid.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear."
(Psalm 46:1-2a ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will praise God!
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Oh, magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1,3 ESV)
We have just come through a primary election season here in South Carolina, listening to the never-ending blah blah blah that seems to be part of politics in this country these days. And it isn't over yet, because some races are yet to be decided, so there will be more campaign commercials filling the airwaves until those races are settled in a couple of weeks. And then it goes on until the general election in November.
Besides state politics, we are inundated daily with the vitriol that is national politics in this country. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are on, surely the one thing we can agree on is that there is anger and frustration and disagreement abounding on all sides.
Put all that on top of the stress and frustration that often characterize daily living, and it's all a bit more than we think we can deal with. I don't know about you, but in my stroke-recovery-world, all the stress and arguing and noise pollution of life cause me some stress.
So today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustrations of daily living, I will remember:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
The word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)
You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustrations of daily living, I will trust:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:4 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will give thanks:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV)
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will not be afraid.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear."
(Psalm 46:1-2a ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration of daily living, I will praise God!
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Oh, magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1,3 ESV)
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Summer Reading
Yesterday I finished reading The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel C. Rosenberg. It took almost three months for me to finish this book, but I did it! In my "previous life" (pre-stroke), I would have read this book in 2-3 days. Reading is a much slower process for me now, but I am so excited that I am able to read and to comprehend and remember what I read, something I thought was lost to me forever.
Although this is technically not "summer reading", since I began several months ago, I wanted to tell you about it. In The Kremlin Conspiracy, Rosenberg has done it again! Rosenberg is a master story-teller, and this one is no exception. The Kremlin Conspiracy is another fast-paced political thriller that is hard to put down. I have loved each of Rosenberg's previous novels, and this may be his best yet. I'm already looking forward to the next installment, which unfortunately won't be available until 2019! The Kremlin Conspiracy is fast-paced, well written, and wonderfully complex. I highly recommend it!
Now that I have finished The Kremlin Conspiracy, what's next? I have a stack of books on my table awaiting my attention. Here's what's next on my reading list:
Next on the list is the lemonade year by Amy Willoughby-Burke. I met Amy at my cousin Elaine's book signing, where Amy was also doing a reading. This one is described as a story of love, loss, and second chances, and I'm looking forward to reading it.
A Curious Beginning (a Veronica Speedwell Mystery), by Deanna Raybourn, is set in London in 1887. This one ticked a lot of boxes for me. The city. The time. It's a mystery.
Also on my list is A Different Sun, also by my cousin Elaine Neil Orr. This one is set in Africa, where Elaine grew up as the daughter of missionary parents. And I have The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron, which grabbed my attention because of the title, and Falling In Love by Donna Leon. I've read several of Leon's works, all set in Venice and with Inspector Brunetti as the central character. I have enjoyed not just the mystery of the crime to be solved, but what I have learned about the culture and food of Venice in the process.
In addition, I'm in the process of (slowly) reading A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene H. Peterson. I say "slowly" not because it is difficult to ready, but because I'm spending a lot of time pondering what I have read. There is a lot of food for thought here. Once I finish, I plan to re-read Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand.
This is quite a long list, and I have no illusion that I will have read all these books by the end of summer. I do, after all, read very slowly these days, and some days are still very challenging. Even so, it's good to have goals!
What are you reading this summer?
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