The Christmas Shift

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I can’t help but turn to one of my favorite verses as I consider the new year.

Christmas didn’t turn out as I had hoped this year. Illness caused a shift in plans. Yet, we still spent time with family, as we could, and worshipped the Savior we celebrate.

I was reminded one more time, that I’m not in control. I can plan and prepare, but life sometimes takes all the lists and calendars and throws them into a blender. I don’t recognize what pours out, but I understand regardless plans work out and timing isn’t mine.

One thing I want to take from the Christmas shift is to always consider God in my plans. He knows what’s best for me and my family. You see even though I didn’t get to have things my way, I was still blessed beyond what I deserve.

As I move toward the shiny new year of 2024, I cling to Romans 15:13. I trust in God for the hope, joy, and peace He promises. I believe in Jesus, who loves me and saved me, and I cling to the Holy Spirit and His power.

I pray as you look to the new year, you’ll seek Jesus and the hope we have in him.

Blessings for 2024.

Historical Fiction Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

What it’s about:
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

My Thoughts:
This story revealed an event in history I knew nothing about. Frantz, with her attention to historical detail wove a fascinating story from the devastation of the Acadian people even as she offered a thread of hope. I love the main character, Sylvie. She’s a talented seamstress thrown into a terrible situation, yet she holds on to her faith and the strength she learned from her parents. William Blackburn is a mystery who unfolds on the pages. And Sylvie’s brother, Bleu, is a fascinating character. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story. Frantz is a gifted writer and I plan to read more of her books. I received this book for free with no expectations. My opinions are my own.

The Most Beautiful Plan

Luke 2:4-7
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

God had a plan for a song and His Son.

O Holy Night, one of the most popular and often sung songs at Christmas, was originally written by a French village merchant, Placide Cappeau, who was also a poet and an atheist with the music written by, Adolphe Adams, a Jewish man. Two unlikely people to pen a beautiful hymn about the birth of Jesus. The local priest wanted a new song for the Christmas season, and he had asked the local poet to write one. Eventually, the song was rejected by the church in France, due to its origins.

God wasn’t finished with O Holy Night. Abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight recognized the truth of the lyrics and brought the song to America, where people embraced the beautiful message.

When God has a plan, no one can stop Him. The most wonderful and amazing plan involved the humans He created. Even though Adam and Eve failed in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to return people to Him. He offered His own son to the world, as a baby, who would grow to be a man, who would offer his life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Christmas is the celebration of the Holy Night Mary delivered Jesus into our broken world. Amid the stockings and the tree, the gifts, the food, and the tinsel, stop and think about the true reason for celebration, the freedom Jesus offers and the love and grace God gives.

Merriest Christmas to you all!

Josh Groban sings my favorite rendition of O Holy Night. I hope you enjoy it.

Christmas Blessings!

Along with the books I've suggested, read Luke 2:1-19 

from the Bible and share the beautiful story of Jesus birth.

I love the fun and beauty of the season, but most of all I love Jesus.

I pray each and every reader and your family have a blessed Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

 

The Christmas Tree

I discovered this little book many years ago 

and recently found it again.

The delightful and charming story 

fills my heart with joy every time I read it. 

"The Christmas Tree is the tale of a little girl named Anna, who is orphaned and sent to live in a convent. The lonely girl befriends, as only a child can, a tiny fir tree. Anna and Tree, as she calls him, grow up together, unlocking the secrets of friendship and sharing the wonders of nature. It is this same profound appreciation and love of nature that the grown-up Anna, now Sister Anthony, passes on to her students.

When Tree is threatened by a winter storm, Sister Anthony, by now an old woman, decides to give up her dearest friend, allowing him to become the most enjoyed and famous tree of all: the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

A perennial holiday favorite, The Christmas Tree is about learning to love and, ultimately, being able to share that love with others."

 

Hark-Do You Hear Them?

Luke 2:10-14
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

You gotta love Linus!

I don’t think I’ve missed watching A Charlie Brown Christmas since the show debuted in 1965. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate Linus and his blanket. If you watch closely, when he recites the story of Jesus’ birth, he drops his security blanket. He knows his true security has come as a babe in the manger. Yes, the characters are cartoons, but the story is real. Charlie Brown represents all of us who are searching for the truth, and Linus presents it to him in the most beautiful way.

As Linus tells, the angels addressed the shepherds with good news of great joy. Years ago, a hymn called Hark How All the Welkin Rings by Charles Wesley evolved over time into Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Welkin means heavens or skies. He shared the beautiful idea of the angels, who rejoiced. Wesley’s hymn changed, but the story of Jesus’ birth remains the same. The angel approached shepherds, a lowly lot by society’s standards, and shared the good news of Jesus. That act shows me Jesus came for every one of us so we can have a relationship with His Father, God.

A few years ago, I realized I’d clung to this hymn because Linus and all his pals sang it at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has stayed at the top of my favorites list for years.

As you contemplate Christmas and the love of Jesus, I hope you sing with joy.

Some St. Nick Reads

I enjoy reading stories about St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, as we call him. 

The true history of St. Nicholas offers 

a beautiful story about giving and caring about others needs.

Some adult reads I've enjoyed are The Autobiography of Santa Claus 

and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas by Jeff Guinn. 

For children, I've listed a few favorites. 

Young Claus is a chapter book and the others are picture books. 

Cuddle up with your child and share in the magic of the holiday.

Do you have a favorite Christmas book?

 

He Wraps me in Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Peace on earth, good will to men. 

On Christmas Day 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard the bells tolling in Cambridge and penned the poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, later set to music by the English organist John Baptiste Calkin in 1872.

Longfellow had lost his wife to a fire and was left with six children. His heart ached when his oldest son returned from the Civil War with a gun shot wound. In his sorrow he sought to find hope.

I can’t imagine what life was like during the Civil War for America, any more than I can fathom the countries who are war torn now. Longfellow’s heart must have hurt. By 1863, He’d lost two wives, the second leaving him six children. His son returned home wounded and nearly paralyzed. At that point he struggled to write his poems, he was the most famous US poet at the time.

When he heard the bells ring out, he grasped on to the hope they offered him. Hope for better and brighter days.

Christmas is a time of joy, but it can also be a time of sorrow for many. Jesus wants us to know he came to bring peace to the hearts of all. Isaiah proclaims Him as the Prince of Peace, the One who can take a broken heart and restore it to fullness.

I love these glorious lines from the song:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

No matter the circumstances surrounding the holidays or any days, God is not dead and He’s not asleep. Instead, He holds me in sorrow and in joy. He loves me and wraps me in comfort and peace.

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, embrace Him as the Prince of Peace.

Casting Crowns sings a beautiful version of I Heard the Bells.

Great Books to Read With Your Kids this Christmas

I had the privilege of listening to my daughter read 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas to her first grade class. 

I call it a privilege because, for one, she's my daughter, but besides that 

she uses all the voices of the characters. It's truly a joy. 

I read this story to my kids when they were young and 

to hear one of them read it aloud is magical.

The Grinch's story is one of change. 

He's a mean one, as they say. 

The Whos from Whoville are filled with joy, to the point 

they continue to celebrate Christmas even without 

any presents, decorations or food. 

Their unselfish joy changes the Grinch's heart.

Isn't Christmas more than gifts, feasts, and decor? 

Of course it is. 

It's joy in the depths of the heart. Rejoicing that King Jesus was born. 

If you want your children to appreciate the simple 

yet powerful theme of joy, read the Grinch and 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

The Best Christmas Pageant is 

a heartwarming chapter book you'll laugh out loud over.

 

Happy Cookie Day!

 I don't know about you, but I think I'm related to the Cookie Monster. 

One of my favorite family traditions at Christmas is making cookies with the kids. 

We try to set aside one day to make cut-out cookies before Christmas. 

Here's a photo of some of last years delectable delights.

Celebrate National Cookie Day with your favorite cookie!

What is your favorite cookie?

 

Stress or Celebration?

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:16
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Stress or celebration?

On Sunday afternoon, I went with Sara, Eli, and Ella Cate to see the movie Journey to Bethlehem. The movie is a musical, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a fresh retelling of the birth of Jesus. Yes, they took some creative liberties, but what I carried away from the movie and thought about this week were two important messages.

King Herod was evil and so threatened by the thought of a new king being born, he would go to the worst measure to get rid of the baby. My heart broke for this man who, so full of pride and greed, would dive into the depths of darkness to keep his crown.

The truth is, Jesus didn’t come to rule nations or dethrone anyone. He came to rule the hearts of people. To spread love and offer hope. A hope Herod never knew.

The second was the effect Mary’s pregnancy had on her family and Joseph’s. We read of how Joseph said he would break the betrothal to Mary quietly. Even still, Mary carried baby Jesus.

I have great respect for Joseph. Not just because he stepped up and married Mary, but because of his faith in God. He trusted the One who created him and carried out His plan in obedience.

When faced with a difficult circumstance or conflict, what do I do? React like Herod and lash out? Or pray like Joseph and obey God?

As I consider the celebration of Christmas and the stress placed on us to have everything perfect, I remember Mary and Joseph and their not so perfect circumstances and know God doesn’t expect me to have a flawless holiday. He only wants me to be obedient and have faith like Joseph and Mary and share the love of Jesus.

How about you? Will Jesus’ love shine through your Christmas celebration?

One of the Best Gifts

Reading to children is rewarding to them, and to the reader. 

What a delight to see a child's eyes light up when they hear a story they love. 

How exciting to hear a child recognize words.

As a mom, grammy and children's librarian, 

I read to kids for many years and loved every minute.

As Christmas draws near, take the time to read to a child.

From now through Christmas, 

I'll share some of the holiday books I've enjoyed reading over the years.

 

He Stays the Same

Hebrews 13:8 
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The times they are a-changin.’ --Bob Dylan

When my girls were young and they stayed home from school due to illness, if they felt like it, we sometimes played games like Old Maid, Candyland, or Go Fish. We would deal the cards or set up the board and play until they were ready to rest.

The other day, my granddaughter called. She’d gotten sick. Fortunately, she was already off school and didn’t miss a day. We chatted for a bit, then she asked me to hang up because she wanted to video chat on Messenger. She’s nine and was using her mom’s phone with permission. When I answered the call, her pretty face popped up, and I could see she didn’t feel well. We talked for a minute, then she told me we could play a game on the phone. I had no idea. She clicked something and brought up Go Fish and we played two rounds.

The older I get, it seems like life changes at lightning speed. Perhaps because I can look back and see the history I’ve lived, yet one thing has never changed.

Jesus remains the same no matter how many years pass. He continues to share His love. There are days I think He should walk away from me because I’m a lowly human, instead He stays with me through the valleys and the peaks. He opens His arms and welcomes me in. He sees value in me and never leaves me.

He loves you, too. His arms are open to everyone. He loves like no other. He’ll be there through the best and the worst.

I love this song by Matthew West, The God Who Stays. I hope you’ll take a listen.

Thankful for Books

As I think about Thanksgiving and the many things I have to be grateful for, 

books are high on the list.

I'm a reader and a writer. I devour books, usually two or three a month.

There is something about stories.

The way they take a reader away from the everyday or enhance the everyday.

The words fill me with wisdom, knowledge, and experience.

Stories, whether fiction or true, make me think and ponder and gather words.

Everyone is a reader, some just haven't found the right book yet.

 

He Journeys With Me

Genesis 24:42
When I came to the spring today, I said, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.” 

Who is on your journey?

The other day, Tim and I took a road trip. We traveled to three bookstores in the Cincinnati area. The first stop we made was to a little shop in Madeira. The owner had kindly kept my books on the shelf for several months, a few had sold, but she was ready to return the others to me. After we picked those up, Tim drove to Mason, and I visited the lovely Belong Christian Bookstore. In case you aren’t aware, Christian bookstores are few these days. I chatted with the owner and showed her my books, with hope of a possible connection in the future. On our last stop, I browsed a Barnes & Noble, found a few stocking stuffers, and discovered they only do author events every six months or so. Some might say I didn’t have success promoting my books, but I made connections.

On the drive, Tim and I noticed a semi on the highway with the word JOURNEY imprinted on the side. That got me to thinking. Who travels on my journeys with me? On our trip, Tim and Rosie (she loves to ride) were in the Jeep with me, and the Holy Spirit buckled up and rode shotgun. The Holy Spirit led us to Belong Bookstore at the exact time the owner stood behind the counter. Due to illness, she isn’t there often. I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet her and talk about my books, and I call that success.

In Genesis, Abraham asked his head servant to travel back to Abraham’s homeland to find his son, Isaac, a wife. Concerned he might fail, the servant turns to the One who brings him hope. He asked the Lord to grant success on the journey. I love the servant took God on the journey with him, and if you read the rest of the story, he found Isaac a wife, the beautiful Rebekah.

When I travel through this life, I want God with me. The Holy Spirit dwells with me day and night, and I know on my journeys, He stays by my side.

Who goes with you on your journey? Have you asked God to join you?

A Wonderful Place to Be

I can't remember a time when I wasn't enamored with books.

Stories offer somewhere to go when you stay home.

They share adventure, mystery, love, and so much more.

When I open the pages of a book, imagination ignites and 

I travel on journeys I'd never take, otherwise.

Whether reading a book or writing one, I'm thankful for stories.

What kind of books do you enjoy?

 

Full of Light

Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hand the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, ears, and heart,
illumine me, Spirit divine!

Even though my second cataract surgery is complete, I won’t know for three to four more weeks if I need to wear glasses again. Although my vision is clearer, and I can mostly read my laptop and phone, I need readers for the smaller print. My distance vision is much better in my left eye, but due to an astigmatism in my right eye, I still have blurriness. So, I wait.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke about how important the eyes are. When they’re healthy, they let in the light. By healthy, Jesus is referring to spiritual health.

At times, the brokenness of this world paralyzes me. I want to hide away from the darkness and tragedy, the unfairness and constant bombardment of distraction from God. But because Jesus’ light shines into my life, I can face every day and be a light for Him. As a believer, I’m fighting back against the darkness. Through my sight I see His lantern glowing brighter.

When I was young, our church sang Open my Eyes, an old hymn written by Clara H. Scott. I love the stanza that asks the Spirit to “illumine me.” The Holy Spirit walks with me each day and opens my eyes to what Jesus wants me to see and do. I pray the light always fills my soul.

Seek Jesus’ light. He will guide the way.

Streets of Gold

When I saw the golden leaves scattered across the ground, 

the book of Revelation came to mind.

The author, John, described his vision of heaven with a street of gold.

Thinking of heaven brings me peace. 

What a glorious place to be—in the presence of God.

 

Home for Christmas, An Abbott Island Story, is part of the collection of four stories in Christmas in Ohio

 After Levi Swenson and Charlotte Mercer share months of promising texts and phone calls, Charlotte returns to Abbott Island for Christmas with her family. Will her dysfunctional family scare Levi away or will he and Charlotte meet under the mistletoe?

Sadie and Joel Grayson are ready to deliver their baby. Will the baby's birth bring good tidings and great joy or will the young couple be caught without the medical help they need?

The Christmas in Ohio collection is available for pre-order in paperback and Home for Christmas is available by itself as an e-book.

Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope.

From an island Christmas celebration to colonial-era homesteads, Christmas is a time of hope and celebration, as well as learning and healing. A time for trusting and sharing secrets, and taking a risk that leads to joy and a promise for the future.

The four stories on these pages go from a search for a missing painting to a reunion of lost loves, a shattered family rejoined, and promises kept. From a stolen treasure to secrets revealed, healed hearts and glass hearts, and second chances at love.

The gift of Christmas.

A Reminder

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The other day, I walked Rosie on the little hill behind our condo. Vibrant, red leaves tumbled to the ground from the maple tree. I’m not sure why my mind works the way it does, but I stopped and grouped three of the beautiful red leaves together to take a photo. They reminded me of the trinity—God, the father—Jesus, the son—and the Holy Spirit.

I imagine God knew I could use a reminder of who He is, for He is not a God of randomness. He’s a God of order and plans. There is no such thing as coincidence with Him.

He has mapped out what I would need in this fallen, broken world. First, I need God. He’s the love and hope of life. The one who protects and guards my heart. Second, I need Jesus. He’s grace. The One who covers my sins with His blood. He’s the son of God who took the sorrow and sadness of the world on His shoulders. Third, I need the Holy Spirit, the one who fellowships with me. He hangs out with me on a daily basis. He communicates with God when I can’t and guides me as I seek help.

I love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and thank the Lord for His work in my life. I can’t think of a better way to begin November than with a grateful heart for the One who created me, redeemed me, and fills me with His joy and peace.

Let’s spend this month thanking and praising the One who loves us more than we understand.

November

November calm

infiltrates the forest.

One last leaf releases

and drizzles to the ground.

Rest blankets the floor.

 

One More Time

Philemon 1:4-7
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Have you ever wanted to sit with someone one more time?

The older I get, the more I realize I may not get to see people one more time. Over the last several years, friends and family have moved from broken bodies on this earth to perfect, healthy bodies in heaven. I’m rejoicing for them, and I’m missing them.

The other day, Tim and I took Rosie to a park to walk. I’d been sick a few days before, so I stayed in the car, still tired from the bout of illness. I watched them walk a circular path, then my sight landed on a blue swing with a beautiful backdrop. Gold and orange trees stood at attention behind the colorful swing. I thought, what if I could sit on that swing and talk to anyone I wanted to? Of course, I would sit with Tim and chat about the day. I could take any of our grandkids or kids and their spouses. Perhaps a friend or two would come by and we’d laugh and talk. Then I thought—what if I could bring anyone back and talk to them about heaven—wouldn’t that be a glorious conversation? They could tell me about the incredible worship and praise of God and conversations with Jesus.

Since that’s not possible, I had another thought. Wouldn’t that be a lovely place to sit and talk to God? A place to pray for my loved ones and readers. A place to appreciate the beautiful fall weather and thank God for His provision and remember those we’ve loved who have passed. It’s good to sit and thank the Lord for the people He has placed in my life. 

I hope as I remember you, you know you give me great joy and encouragement.

Do you have a favorite place to ponder and pray?

Celebrating Fall

It appears that God's been busy painting leaves 

on the trees in southwest Ohio.

In our peak week for leaf peeping, Tim, Rosie, and I 

took a drive to take in the beauty of the season.

We ended up on the campus of Clermont College, 

where I used to work.

Fall was my favorite time on the lovely rural campus.

The tree I shot here was one of the most vibrant 

and stood at the back of the lot where I parked.

I was happy to see it still standing and celebrating fall.

What do you enjoy about autumn?

 

Listen for the Voice of Truth

Psalm 25: 4-5
Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

The Playhouse Square in Cleveland sparkled.

A chandelier draped the middle of the street between the playhouses, theatres, and eateries. On a sign overtop the Keybank State Theatre a picture of the music group Casting Crowns greeted us. Tim and I will be celebrating 31 years of marriage on October 31. We planned an early celebration that included the twenty-year tour concert of Casting Crowns.

God’s fingerprints were all over their twenty-year story. Mark Hall, the lead singer in the group is a youth pastor. He used music to get his kids to read their Bibles. Mark is dyslexic and has an attention deficit, yet God filled him with a desire to reach youth and adults with his humble beginnings in the music world.

Casting Crowns has not wavered from God’s truth in their twenty years of fame. Their songs speak straight to the heart. Tim and I were both blessed by their testimony and their music. Enhanced by a symphony of violins, their words resonated through the crowd. We lifted our hands and voices with them and praised God.

My favorite song they sing is Voice of Truth. So many voices call out to us every day. Social media, the news, people around us, fear, and so much more. The Bible teaches us to discern the voices by weighing them against God’s word and whether they acknowledge Jesus. (1 John 4:1-3)

The psalmist calls to God to show him God’s ways and guide him in His truth. In this world of constant attention grabbing by outside voices, seek God’s voice and truth and teach your children to listen for God.

Celebrate Jesus and His truth.

A Kindness Shared

 Our neighbors spent the week 

preparing for their daughter's wedding.

They created beautiful floral arrangements 

and a large arc of flowers for the reception.

A couple days after the wedding, 

they gifted us with this lovely arrangement.

They're kindness brightened my day.

A thoughtful gesture, a kindness shared, 

an encouraging word go a long way in this world.

Don't Navigate the Hard Days Alone

Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Don't let the hard days win.

I'm in the middle of cataract removal surgeries. About a week ago, the eye surgeon sucked the cloudy lens out of my right eye. Then he placed a new artificial lens in so my vision would improve. The left eye will be corrected soon, but in the meantime, I'm in limbo. The right eye has an astigmatism. Which means, my eyeball is shaped like a football instead of a volleyball. Most of the time, people who have lenses replaced for cataracts have clearer vision in about two days. Not me. Nope. My football shaped eye is better—I can see clear colors instead of a yellowish cast, but I can't see as well as I can out of my left eye that still has a cataract. The eye doctor did his job, but my eye didn't cooperate. So between now and the time my left eye is fixed, the one shaped like a volleyball, I can't wear my glasses. Once my eyes work together again, I'll get a new prescription.

I've adapted by using readers and thankfully my left eye can see distance, but working on the computer and reading are hard. My eyes hurt by evening and I often have a headache. I'm managing, but I could throw up my hands and quit until the left eye is corrected. Instead, I'm leaning into God to help me through this trying time.

Of course, my situation isn't the end of the world, and it should be better by November, but there have been dark times in my life when I couldn't see the end. I felt helpless and disheartened, but you know what? God stood by me and protected me. He always does. God has gifted His people with the Holy Spirit, who gives us power, love, and self-disciple. Those are the things that have helped me through dark days, along with my family and friends.

Don't let the hard days win and don't try to navigate them alone. Give them to Jesus and trust Him to send help.

The Presence of Wonder

October is a wonderful time to watch in wonder for the beauty of the season.

In Ohio, the shades of autumn are painting the trees.

Cool breezes are awakening the mornings.

Dashes of orange are decorating porches and fields.

Seek the wonder of the season and enjoy God's gift of fall.

 

She Gets It

Joshua 1:7-8
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie Ten Boom

Our youngest granddaughter had to have oral surgery. When you're nine years old and have nothing to compare the experience to, you have a bit of fear and anxiety. A beautiful thing happened to her. After school, one of her teachers and her principal prayed with her, on the day before the surgery. That evening, I ate dinner with her and her family and she prayed over the meal and asked God to make everything go well for her during surgery. My heart danced a happy dance. That little nine-year-old gets it. She placed her fear in God's hands.

Our ministers are preaching a series this month that focuses on Joshua called "Be Strong and Courageous." God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous. In Joshua 7, He called him to be strong and very courageous." Take it up a notch Joshua and step out on faith.

Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the choice to trust God with the future. He calls all of us to step out and have faith in Him and in the future He's planned for us. He asked Joshua to keep the Book of the Law on His lips. For us, He wants us to have the word of God in our hearts. I'm no Bible scholar. There's so much I don't understand, but I cling to the verses that encourage and give me strength and courage.

Trust in God for the future, be strong and courageous.

Nature is a Witness

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. 

Cooler temperatures and changing colors

remind me to step outside and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Orange and teal pumpkins, purple and yellow blooms, reds, golds, and oranges

on the trees and in the sky trumpet the glorious hues of fall. 

Nature is a witness to the amazing miracles of God.