Sixteen Years Later

How quickly time passes. Yesterday marked sixteen years since the day my mother passed from this life into eternity. In many ways, it seems very long ago. After all, this is the fourth state I've lived in since that time! But sometimes it is still a very fresh memory. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of her: remembering something she said; laughing at myself for doing the "I'll never do that" things she used to do; wanting to share something with her.

Sixteen years have passed, but I still miss her so much.  I miss the twinkle in her eye and that silly grin when she was trying hard not to laugh out loud. I miss her laughter and the private jokes we shared.

My mother was a tiny little woman, one who was often described as "delicate". But she was mighty in spirit, a strong-willed woman who loved her children and their spouses. Who loved her grandchildren. She loved her husband and was devoted to him. Above all, she loved Jesus!

One of the things I most remember about my mother was her love for her Savior and her love for God's Word. Even in the later years of her life as her health was seriously declining, her Bible was always next to her on the bed. She read it faithfully every day. One of my treasured possessions is a set of index cards with Scripture verses - the verses she had memorized - written in her own hand, well-worn from use.

I loved my mother. I respected her. I admired her. And I miss her.

Sixteen years ago, I watched my beloved mother take her last breaths in this life. It was a sad morning. A difficult morning. It was one of the few times in my life that I ever saw my daddy cry. It was on that morning, sixteen years ago, that I had to say to him, "It's over." Even now, sixteeen years later, that is a very vivid memory.

But it isn't over. Not really. Because there is the promise that we will see each other again. And though I still miss my mother so very much, I don't "grieve as those who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Because "since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."  (1 Thessalonians 4:14 ESV).

Until that day comes, I remember. And those memories make me smile.

 

 

 

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:26-30 ESV)

 

 

 

 

Shaken. A Book Review.

Each of us faces ups and downs in life, and each of us must deal with disappointments. Few of us must face these disappointments as publicly as Tim Tebow has. In Shaken, Tim Tebow shares glimpses from his life and his football career, including the disappointment of being cut from three different NFL teams.

Shaken is more than an autobiography and more than just a sports book. In Shaken, Tebow shares life lessons he has learned through the experiences he recounts, lessons that have built his trust in God. Sharing stories from his own life, as well as the lives of others, he offers encouragement for overcoming fear, bitterness, and the obstacles life throws at you. In Tebow's words, "this is not a memoir. It's about the truth I've discovered along the way. And it's about some amazing people I've been inspired by in life."

With chapter titles like "Facing the Giants", "The Voices of Negativity", and "What Matters Most", Tebow shares real events from his own life and offers real solutions to others who deal with similar challenges. We don't all face being cut from an NFL team, but we often do face having our dreams shattered or having the rug pulled out from under us. Tebow offers encouragement for such times.

Whether or not you are a Tim Tebow fan, or whether or not you are even a sports fan at all, you are sure to be encouraged by this book and its challenge to live in light of eternity. Shaken is a well-written, easy-to-read book that is all about discovering your true identity, and about believing, as Tim Tebow does, that your true identity is found in Christ, not in the opinions of the world around you. This book is so much more than a memor; it is the testimony of Tim Tebow's life.

I received a free copy of Shaken from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Missing Link

We're nearing the end of a very contentious election season. One of the few things we can all agree on is that our country is deeply divided. In two weeks' time, all the ballots will have been counted and we will have evidence of just how divided we are. But then life will go on. One of these candidates will be the President-Elect of these United States, and we the people will turn our attention elsewhere.

In these days leading up to Election Day, many are praying for our country. There are prayer meetings and prayer groups and calls for prayer all across social media. With all this praying for our country, why are we still in such a mess? What are we missing?

Not too long ago, Al and I read Psalm 80 in our morning devotions. And then we read this commentary (which might actually make more sense to you if you take a minute to read Psalm 80):

"This Psalm is a picture of America to me. God had brought Israel out of Egypt, driven out the nations, and planted them as a vine in the Promised Land. He prospered them with blessings that were so abundant they overshadowed the mountains and extended to the sea! But the hedges were broken down. They no longer had the respect of other nations. Their produce was pilfered by others, and their power decimated. They did not have the joy and blessings that came from honoring God and humbly acknowledging that He was the source of their success. Our forefathers came from other lands for the sake of religious freedom, and our nation was founded on principles that honored God......Yet we have become despised by the nations, our economy is in disarray, and the most basic moral values are being rejected." (from In The Secret Place, a Pilgrimage Through the Psalms by Jerry Rankin, p. 173)

As I've continued to mull over this paragraph, it seems to me that Dr. Rankin has stated the obvious, and stated it very well. Our country is in a mess. We have forgotten where we have come from and turned our backs on the very principles that once made us a great nation.

One of Dr. Rankin's sentences sticks out to me. He writes that Israel "did not have the joy and blessings that came from honoring God and humbly acknowledging that He was the source of their success." (emphasis mine). The same could be said of us here in the United States. We have forgotten where we came from. We have forgotten why we were once a respected and prosperous nation. We no longer acknowledge our founding principles and have forgotten how greatly we have been blessed by God throughout our history. In short, we have forgotten God. As a nation, we have turned our backs on Him.

And so the question then becomes, is there any hope? What will it take to turn things around? Can anything make a difference? 

For the answer, we turn to the Scriptures.  To a familiar passage in the Old Testament that we often turn to when we begin to pray for our nation. 

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

In its original context, this promise was given from God to Solomon at the time of the dedication of the temple. Reading verse 13 tells us that God is giving warning to the people, through Solomon, of what will happen if they forsake His ways. There will be judgment on their sin in the form of drought or locusts or pestilence. But, if the people humble themselves and pray and seek God's face and turn from their wicked ways, God would forgive their sin and heal their land.

What does that have to do with us? Although originally this promise was given to Israel at a specific time and place, there is a prayer principle here that echoes throughout Scripture. It's the principle of humbling oneself, or one's nation, before God. It's the principle of agreeing with God. Of confessing sin. Of acknowledging that sin is what God says it is.

The same principle is found in David's confession of sin in Psalm 51. David humbled himself before God. "Against You, and You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight." (Psalm 51:4)

Daniel's prayer in Daniel chapter 9 reveals this same principle. Daniel prayed, on behalf of his people, "We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances......We have not listened to Your servants the prophets.....Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame....because we have sinned against You." (Daniel 9:4-8 NASB)

Daniel humbled himself on behalf of his people. Daniel prayed. Daniel sought the Lord. Daniel confessed sin, not only his personal sin, but the sin of the nation.

Is there hope for America? Yes. If God's people humble themselves. If God's people will pray. If God's people will seek His face. If God's people will turn from their wicked ways. Then God has promised to hear from heaven and forgive sin and heal the land. 

Note that the verse does not say that if all heathen and wicked and pagan and evil people will humble themselves. What it does say is that if God's people will humble themselves, pray, seek His face, turn from their wicked ways, then God will answer.

It all starts with humbling ourselves. That's the missing link. It doesn't start with pointing fingers at others. Or with wishing things were different. Or with wringing our hands at how bad things are. Or with more social media posts to complain about this or that. The first step in changing things here in our country, the thing that seems to be missing these days, is that we who are God's people humble ourselves. Individually. Humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face and turn from our sin.

We are told that "Daniel gave [his] attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes." (Daniel 9:3 NASB)  We may not need to wear sackcloth and cover ourselves with ashes, but we do need to get alone with God. The kind of praying that will bring about a change in our country is more than a quick sentence or two rattled off between ballgames or trips to the mall.

If we're serious about wanting to see things change in our country, it's time to get more serious about our praying. It's time to humble ourselves before God. It's time to be more focused on God and less on our personal agendas and our personal schedules. It's time to stop talking about praying, and pray!

We have the instruction. We have the example to follow. We know what to do. And we have the promise of what will happen when we do. 

So, what is holding us back? 

"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!"  (Psalm 80:3 ESV)

"O my God, incline Your ear and hear! For we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive!" (Daniel 9:18-19a, NASB)

The Candidate. A Book Review.

How far will a candidate go to be President of the United States? That's the question we're faced with in The Candidate by Lis Wiehl. This is the second book in Wiehl's Newsmakers series, but is easily read on its own without having read the first book.

This the story of television journalist Erica Sparks, who is right in the middle of covering the current presidential election campaign. Senator Mike Ortiz is a war hero who is favored to win the White House. As she covers his campaign, Sparks notices that Senator Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates Ortiz, the more intrigued and troubled she becomes. Erica's relentless search for the truth puts her life in danger, as well as threatens the lives of those close to her.

This novel reads like something plucked from the morning newspaper or the evening news. Sparks' investigation reveals that, as is often true in politics, things are not exactly what they seem. This is a tightly woven story of political intrigue and media manipulation. It is fast-paced, realistic, and very intense. And, in this election season, perhaps a little unsettling.

In addition to the political storyline, there is also the story of Erica's relationship with her daughter Jenny. as well as her relationship with her fiancé Greg to add interest to the story. These personal relationships also give us a little relief from the intensity of the political storyline.

Conspiracies. Mind games. Murder. Deception. All these and more are a part of The Candidate. If you enjoy political thrillers, this may be one you would like to try. Unlike many books in this genre, this one does not rely on gratuitous profanity and violence, and I found that refreshing.

With her background as a federal prosecutor and now television legal analyst, Wiehl certainly has the credentials to give us a realistic portrayal of the lengths to which some people will go to achieve their goals. She has done exactly that, and done it well.

BookLookBloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishing provided me with a free copy of The Candidate in exchange for my honest opinion.

How Do We Handle It?

We're two weeks away from election day here in the United States, which means that we are being inundated with political advertising. If your mailbox is anything like mine, hardly a day goes by without receiving at least one piece of mail from a political candidate. We are assaulted daily on news broadcasts and social media with new accusations and more mudslinging. It is impossible to watch television without multiple political ads at every commercial break, not just from the presidential candidates, but also from those running for other offices as well.

Political ads are really quite interesting and actually have a lot to say about the state of our nation. On the one hand, Candidate A appears to tell you all the horrible things his/her opponent has said or done. Immediately following, Candidate B appears to tell you that everything you just heard from Candidate A is a blatant lie which is designed solely to impugn his/her character, when in fact, he/she is actually practically perfect in every way.

They can't both be telling the truth. In all likelihood, there may be a teeny tiny thread of truth somewhere in there, surrounded by massive distortion in what each of them had to say. And that reveals a great deal, not only about candidates, but about our nation and about us as a people.

In our culture, truth has become relative. Truth has become whatever you or I want it to be. Truth has become whatever some politician or activist group or judge or journalist says it is at the moment. And it changes on a whim.

By that standard, both Candidate A and Candidate B are telling the truth, even though what one of them says is exactly opposite what the other says.

How are we to handle this?  What is our standard of truth to be?

The standard of truth is the same as it has always been. Even in this world of political expediency and government corruption. In a world where terrorism is rampant. In a world where there is ISIS. Even in this world, the standard of truth remains the same.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."  (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)

[Jesus said] "I am the way, the truth, and the life."  (John 14:6 ESV, emphasis mine)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

Hold on to those truths. Cling to those truths. In this world of shifting truths, our standard of truth remains firm. We hold on to Jesus. We examine everything according to the unchanging plumb line of Scripture.

And when we are criticized as being naïve or old-fashioned or out of touch, even then we hold on to Truth.

We live in difficult, challenging times. The truths that we believe and have staked our very lives on are under attack. But truth is still truth. God's Word has not changed. It will not change. God's love for us has not changed. It will not change. And for those of us who are in relationship with God through Christ Jesus, nothing can change that. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Not politicians.

Not political action groups.

Not government corruption or over-reach.

Not bad journalism.

Not ISIS.

Not financial stress.

Not illness.

Not unemployment.

Not criticism or ridicule.

Nothing.

"What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31, 35, 373-39 ESV)

How, then, do we deal with these shifting standards? How, then, do we face life on a daily basis when all we have known as true seems to be crumbling around us? How, then, do we live life when the world is falling apart? How do we handle it?

The answer to those questions is found in the pages of Scripture as well. 

In every situation, in every circumstance, in every difficulty and every challenge, the answer is the same:

[We] "run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Hebrews 12:1b-2 NASB, emphasis mine)

Unplugged.

Life is often busy, even hectic. Sometimes we find ourselves longing for a simpler pace of life. Or at least for a few days away from our regular routines, away from the hustle-bustle and stress of our daily lives.

Last week, Al and I took a few days to unplug. Well, sort of. I guess it would be more accurate to say we were semi-unplugged. We spent a few days in the mountains, enjoying the beauty of the fall season. We weren't completely isolated. We stayed in a nice hotel. We watched a little television. We occasionally checked our electronic devices. But mostly we ignored the electronics (and politics) as we took a few days away from "regular life".  We just relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of God's creation.

 

 

We all need that from time to time, don't we? Time to relax. To unwind. To be still.

 



And what better time to enjoy a few days in the mountains than in the autumn?

 

 



 

Autumn in the mountains is the perfect time to unplug. To enjoy the beauty of the world God has given us. The perfect time to unwind.

 

 

 

 

It's the perfect time to be still.

 

 

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)



Lost and Found. A Thankful Tuesday Post.

Last week I wrote a post marking the anniversary of our life-changing move across the country, from South Carolina to Colorado, more than twenty-five years ago. Each year as I recall that move, I end up making a trip down memory lane, and this year is no exception. I've been reflecting on all the changes in our lives as a result of that move, and recalling to mind all the ways God has blessed us through the years.

Inevitably, that triggers a lot of memories.

When I was a very little girl, I was in Belks in Spartanburg with my mother. Not the Belks that is now in the mall, since we didn't have a mall back then. This was Belks on Main Street, right next to Woolworth's. We were on the second floor in the women's dresses department. Mother was shopping for a dress, and I was enamored with all the colors and fabrics and textures. As a small child, I could only reach the hems of these dresses, but I loved the feel of the fabrics in my hand, so I wandered around touching all the dresses. The result of my wandering was that I could no longer see my mother, and I panicked! Thankfully, the kind store clerk reunited us, and all was well.

Some years later, I got lost in the woods. On this occasion, I had gone with my daddy to the family cemetery where his mother and his grandparents and great-grandparents were buried. This little cemetery is out in the country, well off the road, surrounded by the woods. While Daddy did his "maintenance work", pulling weeds and raking leaves, I wandered off into the woods. The woods were very thick and as I went in deeper, it got darker, to the point that I could barely see.  The canopy of trees overhead was so thick that I could no longer see the sky. Once again, I panicked. I screamed. I cried. I called Daddy's name over and over.  He heard my cries and came to find me. Only when I felt his arms around me did I feel safe again.

And then there was the time we lost Brandon in Haywood Mall in Greenville, when he was three years old. While my mother and I were selecting a pair of jeans for Brian and being sure they fit, Brandon wandered away. (Is there a family trend here? Is wandering away part of our DNA?) He later said he was just looking for the toys! Once we realized he was missing, my mother and I began looking for him. Eventually we enlisted the help of the mall security guards. Three hours later we found him, in Sears at the other end of the mall, in the toy department.  Although we were panicked, he was perfectly content. I have never forgotten the terror I felt when I could not find my child!

These events call to mind some truths about our great God. Unlike me, He always knows where his children are. Even when we wander away, He knows.  As a child, I wandered away from my mother and could no longer see her, nor could she see me.  But even when we wander from God, He still sees. He knows where we are.

And He hears when we call.  Just as my Daddy heard my voice and responded, so too does God hear when we call His name. When we are lost and cry out to Him, He responds.

I am grateful that when I was separated from my mother, someone was there to point me back to her. I am grateful that when I cried for help, Daddy came. I am grateful that my lost child was found.

So grateful. And grateful for all those along my life's journey who pointed me to Jesus. Who taught me the truths of God's Word.

Even more grateful for a God who loves me so much. Who never leaves me or forsakes me. Who hears me when I call.

"for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"  (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

To the Nations

This year's Global Mpact Celebration is now history. Each year our church hosts an Mpact celebration like this one. To focus our attention on missions. To celebrate those who have committed their lives to taking the Gospel to the nations. To challenge us to do more and be more and give more for the cause of Christ around the world.

What a joy and a privilege to be part of such a celebration. My role in this celebration was being part of the food team. It was a serving role, involving things like putting out breakfast, or setting out food for another meal, or pouring tea, or being sure everybody had what they needed. Was it a hard thing to do? Not particularly.  Even so, I confess to you that this morning I am tired. Yet while there is physical weariness now that the celebration is concluded, there is also great joy in serving those who have committed their lives to serve.

I was blessed and challenged as I met and chatted with so many of these men and women. They have different talents and abilities. They live and serve in different parts of the world. They have different backgrounds. But they all have this one thing in common - their willingness to follow wherever the Lord leads. Willingness to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. They are men and women whose lives have been touched by the grace of God, and who are now ready to go and share that grace with a world that so desperately needs it.

These men and women have heard the voice of the Lord calling them, and they have said 'yes'. They have left their homes and families and all that is familiar to them, and they have set out to unfamiliar places with the good news of Jesus. They have been sent to the nations.

We have not all been called to go to the nations, but we have all been called. 

Each of us has the same mandate from the Savior that these missionaries have: "as you are going, make disciples". (Matthew 28:19)

"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8 ESV)

May we be faithful to that mandate. In our cities. In our counties and our states. In our nation. And to the ends of the earth, wherever God leads us.

We may not have been called to go, but we can share Jesus wherever we are. We can pray. We can give. We can serve.

May we be faithful to God's calling on our lives.

May we be faithful to pray for those who are taking the Gospel to the nations!

May we be faithful to give so that more can go!

If we are called to go to the nations, may we be willing to say 'yes'!

And may we do all that with great joy!

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."  (Matthew 9:37-38)

An Anniversary

This is an anniversary week for us. It was this week, back in 1988, that all our belongings were loaded on a truck and we moved to the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. That was a life-changing experience in so many ways. At this time every year I find myself remembering and giving thanks for that experience. That was our first move out of South Carolina, and we were excited and apprehensive all at the same time.

Life changed for us that week in so many ways. Certainly we were leaving our comfort zone! Life in the Rocky Mountain West is very different from life in the Midlands of South Carolina. Different climate. Different foods. Adjusting to a different time zone and to altitude. Learning our way around a new city. Lots of changes in our lives. It was culture shock for sure!

That first move to a location outside South Carolina was followed by many more, but that move to Denver was definitely a turning point in our lives.

One of my favorite things about that time in Colorado is one of the reasons I'm giving thanks this morning. It was there, at University Hills Baptist Church in Denver, that I attended my first Precept Upon Precept Bible study. My neighbor Connie invited me to go to Bible study with her. I accepted the invitation, not quite sure what I was getting myself in to. I had heard of Precept Bible studies, but had never attended one, although I had been a regular participant in Bible studies at our church in South Carolina for many years.

That invitation was life-changing! I will forever be grateful to the Lord for putting Connie in my path, and forever grateful to Connie for that invitation.

The group was already in the middle of their study.  They were studying Covenant.  At first I was lost as a goose!  Key words and colored pencils and observation worksheets. What in the world! All of those things were new to me, but I quickly grasped the method and dug in. My life was forever changed by that experience.  Not only did I learn great truths about our Covenant-keeping God and His covenant relationship with us, but I learned how to study the Bible. And knowing that has made such a difference in my life!

In the years since then we have moved a number of times. When we left Colorado, we moved to Connecticut where there was no Precept Bible Study available, so I took Precept Leader Training and then began Precept Bible Studies in our local church. Since that time I've been privileged to lead a number of Precept studies and to teach a number of women how to study the Bible.

All because we moved to Colorado and all because Connie invited me to go to Bible study with her.

Today I'm thankful for Connie. A few years after we met, Connie and her family moved up to Wyoming and we lost touch. (This was before we had the internet and social media!)  If I could see her today, I would thank her in person!

I'm thankful for Precept Ministries International. Thankful for their commitment to establish God's people in God's Word. 

And I'm thankful for Kay Arthur. For her teaching ministry, begun so many years ago around her kitchen table.  Thankful for the way she has mentored me from afar, teaching me the truths of the Word, but also teaching me how to study and how to teach.

I'm thankful for the Bible studies that I've participated in and been privileged to lead.  Thankful for the joy of digging deep into God's Word. Thankful for the life-changing truths I have learned.

And I'm thankful for the Word. Truly it has been "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

I'm so thankful today. Thankful that, in His sovereignty, God uprooted us and replanted us in Colorado. Thankful for the experiences there which changed my life.  And I'm praying that I will be faithful to live according to what I have learned and faithful to teach others to do the same.

"Oh how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97 ESV)

Now Is The Time

Back in the day, before computers and I-pads and smart phones, we had typewriters.  And if, like I am, you are old enough to have actually used such a device, and if you ever took a typing class, then you likely also remember this sentence: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. That sentence was often used to test speed and accuracy on the dreaded typing test.

Typing tests aside, there's a message for us in that sentence. Our country is in a mess. We are broken and we need to be fixed. And now is the time.

What is the solution? How do we fix this mess?

I submit to you that the solution is not found in the Congress. Not in the White House or the State House. Not in the Democrat party or the Republican party. It is not found with the Libertarians or the Tea Party or the Green Party or in any other political institution.

The solution to our problems is the same as it has always been. It is found in these words that the Lord spoke to Solomon:

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

And now is the time.

The Cottage. A Book Review.

After reading The Cottage by Michael Phillips, I'm ready to move to - or at least visit - the Shetland Islands. The Cottage is the second in Phillips' Secrets of the Shetlands series, set in the northernmost part of Great Britain, the Shetland Islands, land of ponies and sheep and puffins.

The Cottage continues the story begun in The Inheritance, the first book of the series. While The Cottage can certainly be read as a stand-alone book, I'm glad I had read The Inheritance first. In fact, I had just finished The Inheritance when I received The Cottage, so I read them back to back, which is the way I would recommend they be read, as one continuous story.

When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in Whales Reef, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, her distant relative and the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

Michael Phillips describes Secrets of the Shetlands as the story of generational legacy. The Inheritance tells the tale of family relationships and the difficulty in determining exactly who is to inherit MacGregor Tulloch's properties. Eventually Loni Ford, an American with ancestral ties to the Shetlands, is determined to be the heir. The Cottage is Loni's story: how she is part of the Tulloch family tree; her reluctance to claim her inheritance; what causes her to eventually embrace the Shetlands as her own.

This is a well-developed and beautifully written story with a number of unexpected twists and turns. One of my favorite things about the book is the wonderfully realistic description of the islands. As I read, I could almost hear the wind howling and feel the mist in my face! The landscape is almost like another character in the book!

Brew yourself a cup of strong tea, add a plate of oatcakes or shortbread, and settle into your favorite chair with The Cottage. You may find you have a hard time putting it down!

Bethany House Publishers provided me with a copy of The Cottage in exchange for my honest opinion.

Trying to Make Sense of It All

Four more weeks. Then we can put this election season behind us and move on. In all likelihood, no matter who is elected, candidates for the next election will begin positioning themselves immediately following November 8. It seems we live in a never-ending election season.

This election cycle has been unlike any I have ever known. That the two major party candidates at the top of the ticket are the best we could come up with continues to baffle me.

Over the weekend we were forced to confront some realities about both these candidates, although only the news about Mr. Trump and an 11-year old conversation seemed to garner much attention from the media.

Donald Trump has been in the public eye for a long time, and has a reputation for being crude and arrogant. I'm not surprised that such a conversation as was revealed on the tape actually took place. What surprises me is that so many people are surprised. I am far more surprised that he actually got the Republican nomination than I am by this tape. Please don't misunderstand me. I find his comments reprehensible. I'm disgusted, but not surprised.

But should our opinion of a person be swayed by what they said eleven years ago? Should an entire election swing on an eleven year old conversation? I think not.

While no defense can be made of what he said, we need some perspective. Eight years ago, when Sarah Palin was the Republican vice-presidential candidate, equally crude and disgusting things were said about her, and about her children, by many Democrats. Where was the outrage then?

If what Donald Trump said had been accompanied by some rap music (if it can indeed be called music), then there would be a rush to download it, and it might even win an award! Our society is quick to accept this kind of language and treatment of women in our entertainment - in movies and music and books (remember Fifty Shades of Gray, for example), yet we are quick to condemn it when it comes from someone we just don't particularly like.

Our country is in deep trouble. This election is about far more than a foul-mouthed candidate. Actually, by all accounts, both of them are equally foul-mouthed. We need to get beyond personalities and beyond media bias, and think deeply and carefully about the issues. We need to consider the platforms each of these candidates represents. We need to consider the vision for the future of our country that each of these candidates puts forth. We need to consider what the consequences will be for the future of our country, for the future of our children and our grandchildren.

Above all, we need to pray.

Like many of you, I don't want to vote for either of these candidates. They are both seriously flawed. Neither of them would be my first choice. Or my second. Or my third.

Even so, I will vote. And then I will trust God for the outcome.

As I have been trying to make sense of all this, the prophet Habakkuk keeps coming to mind. Our country is in a mess; it was much the same for Habakkuk, and so he prayed this prayer:

"I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2 NLT)

Habakkuk is a good role model for us in this election season. He prayed. And he trusted God for the outcome.

May we do the same. May we be people of prayer in these difficult days. And no matter the outcome of this election, may we continue to trust and praise God.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength!"
(Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT)

Simply Trusting. That Is All.

Times are tough right now for a lot of people. If you aren't in the middle of a tough time, you probably know someone who is.

People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things. There's the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. And presidential politics, which is seeming anything but presidential these days. We are wondering what is happening to our country and fearful for the future.

People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and uncertain about what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.

There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Wondering when the next round of lay-offs will come. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.

There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.

There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.

How do we deal with it all? How do we get through the tough times without falling completely apart?

We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, we fix our attention in a different direction.  Look up. 

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)

We remember.  Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. 

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."  (Psalm 103:2 ESV)

We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control.  None of your situation comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28 ESV)

 



 "Simply trusting ev'ry day, Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."

 

(Trusting Jesus - words, Edgar Page Stites; music, Ira Sankey)

 

 

When the Storm Comes

There's a big storm moving up the Florida Coast. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard of Hurricane Matthew. Here in South Carolina, Matthew has been a big topic of conversation for several days. Residents along the coast have evacuated in advance of the storm's arrival; those who didn't evacuate have hunkered down. Similar scenarios are taking place in Georgia, and Florida is being hammered by the storm even as I type. We've been talking about this for several days now. Thinking about Hurricane Matthew has me thinking about all the storms that are part of life.

Storms are inevitable. As long as we are in this world, there will be storms to be faced. It isn't a matter of "if" there will be a storm, but "when".

Physical Storms

Certainly Hurricane Matthew fits into this category. Even as we in South Carolina have been preparing for the possibility of a direct hit from this very strong storm, I am reminded that at this time last year we were under water because of thunderstorms and flooding. Physical storms take various forms: tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, Nor'easters, blizzards, floods, earthquakes. We have all experienced physical storms in one form or another.

Political Storms

Currently we are in the midst of an election season. This is a particularly rancorous election season, in part thanks to social media. Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with information, insults, and innuendo. Just as Hurricane Matthew is even now battering the Florida coast, we are being battered day after day with tweets and posts and opinions that overwhelm us. Being able to stand firm through this barrage of information is a challenge indeed.

Personal Storms

Day after day each of us face challenges in our personal lives. Illness. Bereavement. Depression. Job stress. Accidents. Financial stress. All sorts of challenges are part of our daily lives and are often as difficult to deal with as the physical storms. We often struggle to hold our heads above water as we try to navigate life on a daily basis.

We need an Anchor.

What do we do when the storms come? And they will come! How do we cope? I've been thinking about that a lot since I first heard of the destructive nature of Hurricane Mathew. Because my faith informs how I think about things, I have found answers to the what do we do? question in the pages of Scripture.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  (Psalm 56:3 ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."  (Colossians 4:2 NASB)   

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)  Note that it doesn't say give thanks "for" all circumstances, but give thanks "in" all circumstances!

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus."  (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)

"Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

Whatever storm may be coming your way today, your "shelter" is the same: keep your eyes on Jesus and not on the storm!

For further reading on this subject, look for the book When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready? by my friend Kristin P. Snyder. You'll be glad you did!

 

"The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide,

A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A Shelter in the time of storm."

(words:Vernon A. Charlesworth; music: Ira Sankey)

 

 

 

 



It's Time to Draw a Circle. An Encore Post.

"Go home.  Lock yourself in your room.  Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself.  There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle."  (Gypsy Smith, 1860-1947, British evangelist)

[I originally wrote this post a couple of years ago. It has been on my mind again in recent days, and so I'm bringing back the entire post, just as it was originally published in February, 2014.]

While I was waiting in the dentist office yesterday, I pulled out my Kindle to do some reading. And it was then that I came across the Gypsy Smith quote. I immediately stopped reading and put the quote in my notebook, the one I nearly always have with me. I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since.

Earlier in the day I had come across another quote that also made it to the notebook. It was part of a Facebook status update. I'm not sure the origin of the quote, as I didn't include that in my notebook, but it stuck with me, just like the Gypsy Smith quote.

"We're so focused on God changing our circumstances that we never allow God to change us."

These two quotes have been playing over and over on a continuous loop in my mind since yesterday. And they have caused me do a lot of thinking. Thinking about change.

About what needs to change. About why I want it to change. About what's really important.

There are some things, some circumstances, in my life that I would like changed.  For one thing, we would like to sell our house and relocate. That's definitely a change.

But as I think about that, particularly when I line it up with that second quote, I wonder if I'm praying for the wrong thing. Am I guilty of being too focused on the circumstance? Too focused on things like changing houses and not enough focused on what needs to change in me?

It occurs to me that I may not be the only one. That there may be others out there who are doing the same thing. Focusing on what needs to change - or what we want to change - in our circumstances, and giving far too little attention to what needs to change in us. 

Perhaps it's our attitudes. Or our selfishness. Or our prayerlessness. Or our tempers. Or our relationships. Or our worship. Or lack of. Or our prayer life. Or lack of. Or our focus. 

Perhaps we're concerned about our country. About politics. About the loss of our freedoms. About the changes that are happening all around us.

Whatever it is, maybe it's time for us to draw a circle, as Gypsy Smith suggested. 


"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

Newton and Polly. A Book Review.

While many are familiar with the hymn Amazing Grace, most are less familiar with the story of John Newton, the man who wrote the words to that hymn.

In Newton and Polly, A Novel of Amazing Grace we have the story of John Newton and the love of his life, Polly Catlett. Just as she did in Luther and Katarina, Jody Hedland has brought two historical characters to life. This is a fictional telling of their story, but done with  historical accuracy and great attention to detail.

John Newton lived a life of unbelief and depravity, a life which doubted the existence of God and which was filled with poor choices. From the time he met her, the bright spot in his life was always his love for Polly, but as a consequence of his bad choices, Newton was impressed into the British Navy. It seemed as though he would never see Polly again. Eventually his life was forever changed as he came face to face with the grace of God, an experience which led to the writing of the hymn.

Jody Hedlund has outdone herself with this book. She paints a realistic picture of John Newton, and of Polly, who falls in love with John but realizes the unsuitability of their relationship ever leading to marriage. John and Polly are beautifully portrayed, as are Polly's parents and John's father who, although often disappointed with his son's choices and lifestyle, loved his son unconditionally.

Newton and Polly was an excellent read. In fact, I read it from cover to cover in less than a day! I loved getting to know Newton and Polly a little better, loved the historical detail, and loved learning more about what led to the writing of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace. I highly recommend it, particularly to those who enjoy history and historical fiction.

Blogging for Books provided me with a free copy of Newton and Polly, a Novel of Amazing Grace in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Book Launch and More. Thankful Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

This past Saturday several friends joined me to celebrate the launch of my newest book, Are You Ready for Christmas? I was thrilled and grateful for those who took time out of their busy schedules to stop by. It was wonderful to see some friends I had not seen in many, many years. Since high school, in fact. Seeing them again was certainly a highlight of the day.

 

 

 

It was a great joy to join with those who came a few minutes early to pray over this book and pray for those who will read it. 

 

 

As friends popped in and out, as I listened to the conversation, as I recalled praying together, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

I am so grateful for the friends who have graced my life. The friends who came on Saturday. The friends who called and messaged and texted. The friends who wanted to be here but whose schedules just didn't permit it. Truly, friendships are among life's greatest blessings!

I'm grateful that friendship transcends time and place. Among the friends who stopped by on Saturday were people I have known well, but have not seen for many years. Even so, we just picked right up again as though we had seen each other yesterday. Also included in Saturday's group were friends I have known for a much shorter span of time, but with whom I share a very deep connection. I marvel at how wonderfully well God has knit our hearts together.

On Saturday afternoon, after the book party was completed, we met some other friends for lunch. These friends were passing through Spartanburg on their way back to Nashville after spending a couple of weeks at the beach. Nearly twenty years ago God knit our hearts together when these two southern families found themselves transplanted to Minnesota. We bonded over that shared experience, and the friendship grows deeper with the passing years.

All these thoughts about friendship stem from writing a Christmas book and celebrating its publication. Maybe I should be writing a book about friendship!

This morning my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving. I am so grateful for friendship. For friends who stopped by on Saturday to celebrate with me. For all the friends, near and far, who have touched my life.

I am grateful for the gift of language. For words. For written words. Grateful that God has given me the privilege of writing. Humbled and grateful that people actually read words I have written! Grateful for the people that buy my books. So very grateful.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1)

Do you have your copy yet? Are You Available for Christmas? is available from Amazon.com (see the link on the sidebar).

 

Welcome to October!

A few years ago, I took this photo while standing in our driveway. We don't live in the mountains anymore, and there isn't this much color yet on leaves where we live now here in the Upstate of South Carolina. But colors like this are part of the reason I love October! Perhaps it's the same for you as well.

October is the month of red and gold and orange leaves.

Of pumpkins and apples.

Of fall festivals.

Of cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Of leaves falling.

This year, October is also the last full month of the election season. For many of us,  that's good news. We are weary of endless television commercials and tweets and social media postings. We are weary of pundits telling us what we should think. We are weary of double standards and corruption and half-truths. We have survived previous election seasons, and I suspect we'll survive this one as well. But I think we are feeling a little battered and bruised by the whole thing. This political season seems uglier than most.

Perhaps that's one of the reason we are so grateful for the gift of October. The beauty of October is a pleasant change from the ugliness of partisan politics.

For those who live here in the South, October is a welcome respite from the extreme heat we experienced all summer, and even through September.

For those who live further north, October extends the beauty of summer a little longer before the winter months of snow and ice and extreme cold.

October is a gift! Let's enjoy every moment of it, and give thanks to the Giver of all things for such a wonderful gift as October!

 
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - from Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery


"O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."  (Psalm 106:1 ESV)