Our Fingerprints Don't Fade

Luke 1:1-4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch. -Judy Blume

For the last few weeks I've been a member of the launch team for a book called Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard. As I read through stories Kathy included in her collection, I was inspired and encouraged. Many wrote of their grandparents and the example of faith which left an imprint on their lives. I like that Kathy suggests ways to impact our families.

My grammy lived to ninety-two years old, so I enjoyed knowing her into my late forties. She worked as a dorm mom at KCC, where I went to college, managed a trailer park in Florida, and worked in hospital food production. She read and studied her Bible every day and prayed for everyone. She played piano at church and loved listening to Billy Graham. Her faithful fingerprints touched my life. Looking back, I know she influenced me in ways I didn't understand until years later.

The Bible holds four accounts of Jesus life. Luke's writing is the one I read time and again. Known as a physician, he was also a follower of Jesus, and he chose to capture the events he witnessed about his Savior in writing. He says himself other accounts have been drawn up or written, but he wants to leave a legacy of Jesus life for his friend Theophilus.

Luke chose to tell Jesus' story again so others could read it long after he was gone. And we have. The book of Luke, written so many years ago still bears truth and inspires today.

So my question comes to this: What do I want to leave for my family and friends? What fingerprints do I want to leave behind? What footprints? Ones that follow Jesus or the world?

I pray the words I leave on my blog influence others to seek Jesus. I hope my words and actions inspire folks to look to God. I also hope my grandchildren see Jesus in me.

What legacy are you leaving today?

P.S. The photo was taken on the beach at East Fork Lake. Even the animals leave their footprint.

Entering the Season of Thanks

Four-hundred years ago, the the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans prepared and sat together for the first Thanksgiving meal.

Eighty years ago, the fourth Thursday in November was declared

the national holiday Americans call Thanksgiving.

My word for 2021 has been gratitude. I've tried to keep my focus on what I'm thankful for and the love God pours over me. Even though I've grieved over loss and celebrated with joy, I know whatever my circumstance,

God calls me to be thankful.

As I prepare to enter the month of November, and the season of thanksgiving, I appreciate the example the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoogs set for us.

Let's sit down together in peace and celebrate what we have.

 

Fiction Book Review: A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner

Book Description:
For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told.

When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she's pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she's forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that's going on.

Mitch Jensen is thrilled to have a full house again, though he's unimpressed with Bea's decisions: dropping out of college, marrying so young--and to an idealistic city kid, of all things. Mitch hopes to convince Bea to return to the path he's always envisioned for her, but she's changed since her mom died. And he refuses to admit how much he's changed, too, especially now that he might be losing his mother as well.

Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there's one she's never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same.

My Thoughts:
A Flicker of Light is a beautiful story filled with hope, heartache, and possibilities. Mitch Jensen's heart still aches for his wife, who passed away. Bea and her hubby need to start over and figure out their future, with a baby-to-be in tow. Rand wants the best for his wife, whose mind is fading. Grandma June throws an unexpected twist into the story as she begins to forget. The characters and their stories found a place in my heart as I read this heartrending story. I love the next-door neighbor, and Mitch's friend, the pastor. They added so much to this already wonderful story. Katie Powner knows how to write a lovely story. The spiritual thread and family ties blend together beautifully. If you enjoy a good story filled with heart, read A Flicker of Light. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard

Book Description:
You WILL leave a spiritual legacy.
The faith, convictions, and sacrifices of those who lived before us help shape our lives today. What will your faith story build for your family?

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt inspirations reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith, you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations.

Heirloom features 52 inspiring stories of faith from family research, history, and the Bible. It includes genealogy research tips to help you explore your own family tree. And, it also shares biblical and practical tips to inspire you to live out your faith in ways that will impact your family tomorrow. Heirloom encourages you to trace your heritage and document the stories of your ancestors.

My Thoughts:
Heirloom's gorgeous illustrations drew me in as I started reading the stories about the past that connect with the present. As I've gotten older, I've wondered what kind of a legacy I'd leave behind. Would my grandchildren know how much I love Jesus, or how much I love them? Would my writing leave a trail that leads to the heart of God? I hope so. As I read through the stories Kathy gathered, I enjoyed the memories and examples of faith. Kathy Howard has also added wonderful tips for genealogists and those interested in finding out more about family history. There is also a place in the back to write your own heirloom legacy story. If you enjoy stories that inspire, you'll want to order a copy of Heirloom. This would make a lovely gift as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

He Can Handle It

Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Cool weather, apple cider slushies, and grandkids at the pumpkin farm made for a wonderful fall day.

Photo by Sara Hatch

My daughter, her husband, and three of my grandkids took our annual trip to the pumpkin farm to celebrate the arrival of autumn. The day progressed from chilly to cool as the sun shined on us. We climbed on a wagon and road through the fields on an old-fashioned hay ride. The kids played games and climbed on the hay bales in the barn. They peddled three wheelers and looked at a python (I kept my distance.) Then we discovered an obstacle course and mini-zipline. Zeke wanted to run the obstacle course, and I said, "Sure, go for it." I asked Eli if he'd like to do it. He replied, "If you go, I will." Being the Grammy I am, I couldn't say no. We walked tight wires, uneven bars, treaded through tires, and climbed bridges, and I only fell off once. Thankfully the course sat low to the ground, and I didn't have much chance of getting hurt. Eli, Zeke, and Ella Cate tried the course several more times while I basked in the glory of going once.

Sometimes, God tests us, He gives us challenges. If we think about them too long, fear may creep in. An attitude of "I can't" may color our decisions. But God won't leave me hanging if I take the challenge, or face the test. There is a saying "God won't give us more than we can handle." The truth is God won't give us more than He can handle. I can't rely on myself when I'm faced with trials, challenges, or circumstances beyond my control. I can however, depend on God. He has the power to overcome. He takes my fears and turns them into courage. Whether I believe in myself or not, I'm comforted by the fact that God believes in me.

Trust God with the challenges of life.

Harvest or Seeds

Farmers are in the midst of harvest. Corn, soy beans, apples.

To get to this point in the growing season, they had to plant. 

Life isn't just about reaping what we sow. 

There's a season of sowing. Whether planting seeds or planting a tree, 

anyone who expects to gather must first plant.

What seeds are we scattering today?

What seeds are we planting in our children?

 

Spread God's Word Like Seeds

 Luke 8:11-15
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

Zinnias brighten any day.

My daughter and I sat on her porch and observed the fading zinnias. A few pink, orange, and yellow flowers hung on, as petals fell away and left seed heads. While we chatted, she popped one of the heads off the stem and rubbed the nubs between her fingers. Before long, her hand filled with little gray, spear shaped seeds. For about twenty minutes, we harvested seeds from the dried heads. Now she has a bag full to spread in her garden next year. I'm excited to see if they germinate, grow, and produce a beautiful rainbow.

In Luke 8, Jesus shared the parable of the farmer who planted seeds. Some fell on a path where they were trampled, some on rocky ground where the roots didn't grow, some among thorns which choked them out, and others on good fertile soil. I've planted zinnia seeds in my flower bed, and they didn't produce one seedling. I don't know if the birds ate the seeds, or they didn't germinate and root. I plan to try again next year. My daughter has good soil to plant her zinnias. They tend to grow taller than they are supposed to.

Jesus wants His followers to continue to spread the seed of His word and encourage people to get to know Him. He wants me to share his truths, regardless of where the seeds fall. Rather than be discouraged by poor soil, I want to continue to spread the good news about Jesus and pray hearts are prepared to hear from Him.

He loves every person and wants a relationship with all of his sheep. As the farmer continued to sow the seed, so will I.

Prepare your heart like the good soil and persevere to grow an abundant crop.

The Practice of Every Day

Something about autumn draws me back to the kitchen.

I enjoy making soups in the fall and winter. 

The simple act of folding a blanket and fluffing a pillow brings me joy.

On Sunday, I found myself washing dishes in my mom's kitchen.

The act drew me back to the days when I didn't have an 

automatic dishwasher, and all of our dishes were washed in the kitchen sink.

My shoulders relaxed, and I reminisced about 

spending time practicing the ordinary arts. 

I still do plenty around the house, and as I've grown as a person, 

I realize those simple acts are a gift to my family. 

Now, as I dry a dish or fold a towel, I'm grateful for God's abundance.

 

Quiet the Noise

1 Samuel 3:19-21
The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

Do not let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord.

When I worked at the college library, a storm passed through and knocked out the electric. The silence felt intense. No computers hummed, the students had gone home, the HVAC shut down, and the fluorescent lights no longer buzzed. I'm not sure I realized how much noise filled my ears when the electric worked. I found the quiet peaceful.

Physical sound isn't the only noise of the world. Opinions, commercials, chaos, directions, voices on all sides of every topic fill the void. Sometimes they make so much noise and cause so much distraction, I no longer hear the most important voice, because I'm no longer listening.  

In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel heard God's voice, but he didn't recognize Him. God called to him, but Samuel thought his mentor Eli spoke to him. Samuel didn't know God well enough to hear Him. He'd been learning and serving, but he didn't know the voice of God. Eli explained to him, God is calling you, and He wants to know you and for you to know Him. Go back to sleep and wait for God to call on you. Samuel did and just as Eli said, God revealed himself to Samuel.

Amid the noise, seek to hear the voice of God. His is the one I want to listen to as He guides me through this crazy life. When I hear from God, I know I'm on the best path, the one He's paved for me. I may not hear an audible voice, but I do know in my heart when He speaks because the Holy Spirit reminds me to listen. He nudges me to be quiet and hear my Father's voice.

Quiet the noise and listen to God.

Soul Care

I see lots of commercials and products that encourage me 

to take care of my body. 

Eat right, exercise, watch cholesterol, go for checkups. 

What about taking care of my soul? 

When my soul is weary or hurting, I'm drained.

Where do I find soul care?

From my heavenly Father, his words in the Bible, prayer, worship, nature,

His love, and the love of my family and friends.

Thank you God for restoring my soul.

 

Historical Fiction: A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott (American Wonders Collection Book #3)

Book Description:
Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum--that Cora marry the man of her mother's choosing if she is not successful--Cora must do it. But she can't do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora, but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora's mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

Climbing Rainier will require all of Cora's fortitude and will lead her and Nathan to rediscover their faith in God and humanity. These two loners make unlikely partners in righting a wrong and may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

My Thoughts:
Coraline Baxter has spunk and purpose. She's level headed and adventurous, qualities that go against her society upbringing. Nathan Hardee is hardworking and thoughtful, yet he's fallen from the grace of society because of his father. Mount Ranier, the star of the story, shines as a beautiful creation to be respected and admired. When Coraline's step-father hires Nathan to lead them on a climb to the summit, Nathan isn't certain it's a good idea, but Coraline has plans and is determined. Coraline's mother adds another layer to this delightful story. She's a lady in the societal sense of the word. Her daughter climbing a mountain leaves her spinning. Oh, and there is a potential suiter for Coraline. Let me say, he's not the nicest guy in town. Regina Scott has spun an enjoyable tale of determination, faith, and courage. I've read all three of the American Wonders Collection and loved each one. If you enjoy adventure, history, and romance you'll love A View Most Glorious. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Start Fresh

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Sometimes we need to think like a relief pitcher.

We watch a lot of baseball at our house. Tim works as an usher for the Cincinnati Reds. Two of our grandsons play (and a granddaughter plays softball,) and when the Reds are away, we watch their games on television. We root for the starting pitcher to get the game going, then for the relief pitchers who, we hope, finish the game well. In baseball, the relief pitcher enters the game after the starting pitcher has a high pitch count, or has become ineffective. Games often employ more than one reliever. Those guys do their best, but in the games where they just can't get the other team out, they are relieved by another reliever. Here's the thing, the relief pitcher can't let themselves get stuck if their performance fails to meet the needs of the team. Instead, they have to shake it off and keep their bad day from spilling into the next game.

Think like a relief pitcher. Each day gives me a new opportunity to start again. Just because the previous day stunk, doesn't mean today has to follow suit. We all have those times we'd just as soon forget or at the least, push behind us. I thank God He's the God of second chances. He urges me to repent from sin and start again. He renews my spirit every day. He encourages me to not lose heart.

I can imagine how a relief pitcher feels when they fail to live up to their potential. I've been there. I get discouraged when I fail. But each day is a brand-new opportunity to renew my faith and seek my Father in heaven. Earthly troubles are just that—earthly. God gives us hope through Jesus and help through the Holy Spirit.

Start fresh each day with Jesus.