Don't Be Afraid

Anyone who knows me (or sees me walk) realizes I have major back problems. I've actually been diagnosed with six conditions in my back, including scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and severe arthritis, among other conditions. As painful as my back problems are, I count my blessings daily and am thankful I can still "get around" and drive. ~ Recently my doctor sent me to a spinal specialist, who described in detail the spinal surgery I need to have done. The surgery would take twelve hours, I'd be in Intensive Care, need rehab, and complete recovery could take up to twelve months. Needless to say, I left that appointment feeling disheartened, discouraged, and terrified. Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries. I've been through more than a few, and "survived" just fine. But this particular spinal surgery would undoubtedly be the most major of any surgery I've had. However, according to the doctors, if I don't have it, my spine will eventually press against a lung, causing difficulty breathing. So I feel it's something that I must do. ~ The more I thought about the doctor's words, the more I realized I must leave this in the Lord's hands. He will be with me through the surgery and recovery process, I am certain. ~ The next day I was flipping through my Bible to resume my daily reading, and a verse in Mark caught my eye: Be not afraid, only believe. YES!! So simple, but that's exactly what I need to do! I must believe the Lord will see me through whatever the future holds, so there's no need to fear. What a wonderful, comforting thought. Thank You, Lord!!!

A New Year = New Ways to Serve!

Happy New Year! Like many other folks, I am amazed at how quickly this past year flew by. Now we are starting a fresh, new year: 2010 ! This year, instead of writing down my "usual" list of New Year's Resolutions as I've done the past 20 years (gasp!), I felt led to focus instead on New Ways to Serve. What are some new ways I can serve the Lord? Rather than ME deciding on the answer, I am praying for the Lord to show me exactly what He wants me to do. I will certainly continue being a prayer warrior, and will strive to pray more for those around me. I'll also continue doing the "little things" I feel called to do (sending cards to brighten someone's day, taking breakfast to my Pastor and staff, etc.). But I will be open to the Lord's leading of other ways I can serve Him by serving others, whatever those activities may be.
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3

Preparing for Christmas

December is here, and the days fly quickly by. The Christmas season always seems to be a very hectic time for most of us, and we see/hear the word "stress" quite a bit (sadly). Earlier today as I was bringing decorations up from my basement, I thought about many things I still need to do for Christmas (including more shopping and sending Christmas cards!). But a thought occurred to me as I was looking through boxes of ornaments and wrapping paper: The most important preparation I can do for Christmas is to prepare my heart. The oft-heard statement "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" is much more than a phrase for people to wear on pins. This statement is an all-important reminder of WHY we have this wondrous holiday each year on December 25. We are celebrating our Savior's birth!!! What a joyous thought! So no matter what activities we feel we must accomplish these next few weeks, we need to prepare our hearts to welcome the precious Baby who was born in a lowly manger. And remember the REASON He was born: To save us!!! So instead of being so overwhelmed with the world's ideas of what we should be doing, I want to make certain my heart is prepared to rejoice over my Savior's birth!! ~ ~ I am attaching a picture of my cat Moses as he "helped" me unpack a tub of Christmas items!

Holiday, Florida

Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida by Christian author Sandra D. Bricker is a delightful book! The story follows a middle-aged widow (Cassie) who has returned to Florida to sell the vacation home her late husband loved. While there, Cassie meets a widower, and sees her life change in ways that truly surprise her. Ms. Bricker has written a story with romance, humor, and a cast of characters who are believeable and entertaining! I highly recommend Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida for a very enjoyable read.

The Carousel Painter

I recently finished reading a book by Christian author Judith Miller, and I actually felt a little sad that the story had ended! To me, that's the sign of a good book - - when I would like to continue reading about these characters and see what happens in their futures. The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is wonderful, and I highly recommend it. Taking place in Ohio in the late 1800s, Judith's characters really "came alive" for me as I read. This author does an amazing job with her characters' distinct personalities, and she also adds some bits of humor throughout the story too. I was never "bored" reading this book - - in fact, when I'd have to stop reading to tend to something else, I couldn't wait to return to this story. If you're a fan of historical fiction, read The Carousel Painter. You won't be disappointed!!

ACFW

A few weeks ago I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Denver, Colorado. I had attended this same conference last year (held in Minnesota) and the experience was SO wonderful, I knew this year's conference couldn't possibly be any better. WOW! I was mistaken! For me personally, the conference this year was even MORE AMAZING....the Lord worked in such wonderful ways to bless me, I was constantly in awe of His goodness! I made new friends, visited with folks I'd met last year, and the Lord provided opportunities to talk with Editors - - even more than I'd planned on. ~ An added bonus was once again having my precious daughter Amy along with me. Such a special "mother/daughter" time together! ~ Perhaps the most amazing thing was our flight home. The plane was almost full when I made our online reservations, so Amy and I had seats at opposite ends of a row. We weren't thrilled about that, as we're used to sitting next to each other. ~ A precious couple from our church was also on that flight (they'd attended a wedding in Colorado) and as it turned out, their seats were beside ours! So, we were able to swap, so they sat together, and Amy and I sat together. Once again, I knew that was NOT "coincidence" but the Lord at work!! He is AMAZING!! (The picture is Debbie Macomber and me - - She was a GREAT keynote speaker!)

Enjoying the Drive

When I was still teaching school a few years ago, I didn't particularly enjoy my daily drive to and from my school. At the time I had two children in school, and we were always rushing---getting to their schools, and then I'd hurry on to mine to be ready to greet my roomful of kindergarten children. I loved my teaching job, but it seemed my life was a constant whirlwind - - always hurrying. Quite a few times I'd commented to family members and friends that I wished we lived closer to the schools, and I even reached the point where I'd say "I detest that drive!"~ ~ Now, several years later, due to a very bad back I am no longer teaching. My "baby" is now a high school senior, and I view that very same drive across the county each day with an entirely different perspective. Instead of seeing the drive as a "hassle," I'm viewing it as extra time with my child. Yes, he can drive, but I'd much rather take him each day (there are too many reckless-driving young people on those roads). Besides, I keep reminding myself that this time next year my son will be in college, and I know I'll actually miss those daily drives together. ~ ~ This thought just occurred to me last week: The very same activity I'd felt grumbly about in the past is now something I treasure! It's all in the perspective. ~ ~ I am reminded of the verse in 1 Thessalonians: In everything give thanks. ~ So I am giving thanks for this added time with my precious son, while he's still living at home, and I'm also noticing some lovely scenery along the way that I hadn't noticed a few years ago!