It’s been months since I posted a blog—um, what? I was recently reminded by a friend that it’s been awhile, and she is right. In May, I wrote about my turbulent ambulance ride as I was rushed off to the hospital and later diagnosed with pancreatitis. I’m happy to report that I have not had a troublesome pancreatic attack since then and have been spared the crazy ambulance ride. In fact, I haven’t been to the hospital at all–whew! Now, it’s Fall, which I also love. We had a busy weekend preparing the yard for upcoming rain and snow. A few of our Grands came over to give us a hand with leaf clean-up, and that was a fun time for all.
We started the summer off with camping, or I should say glamping. Our daughter and two Grands went with us and we had a great time. There was a little ampi-theater at the campground where our two youngest grands performed little plays for us. Super cute.
It was a summer of travel, and I loved every minute of it. We have a client in Seattle, and needed to make an office visit. We took our daughter and grandaughter along for some fun. We all decided that the air b&b we stayed in was the best ever! We toured around like regular tourist for a couple of days and then headed back home.
The summer was full of wonderful highlights, mostly with travel. Maybe I should consider a way to make money with this? July my husband and I went on a quick trip to the Washington Coast. This is one of my favorite places on earth. I was fortunate enough to have several trips to the coast this summer. Time with my husband and also with friends made the summer pure delight!
We capped the summer with a weekend trip to Montana with the family. Montana is amazing.
Now, it’s October. Hot summer days are over and we are settled in for a cozy Fall. As some of you know I am rewriting my book. Well, it’s done and I am on a search for the best book cover. I didn’t anticipate that finding a book cover would be this tedious, but it is. First round inspired a second round. Friends voted and voted again. Second round got narrowed down and sent to a book cover designer, and now I’m back to narrowing those down. Friends and family have been great to vote their favorites, but at some point I’m guessing they just want me to pick a cover! Am I close? Maybe 🙂 I asked my son, who is the best photographer around, to take some book cover pictures that were similar to friends and family vote. That was fun.
I took a break from book covers and writing and went apple picking with my friend. The day was perfectly Fall. Maybe we even saw a bear. Not really, I didn’t see anything, but there was movement and talk of a bear!!
I’ve been reading a lot of Psalms, and also doing the 365 Bible study on YouTube. Both of which I thoroughly enjoy. Every time I open my Bible I am quickly reminded of the goodness of God. There are times, as my son mentioned in his recent sermon, that it doesn’t feel like God is good. We live in a troubled world. I’ve been through cancer, pancreatitis, trauma, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I’ve had many a day when believing that God is good has been a huge challenge. But, the reality is, when I look back on the whole of my life there is no denying this truth. Stuff happens, pain exists. This does not determine Who God is! I’ve been especially fond of Psalms 112 lately. Here’s some of my favorite verses from the Passion Translation:
“Their circumstances will never shake them and others will never forget their example. They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat.” Psalms 112:6-8
There are times I am afraid that cancer will return. Or I fear that something will happen to my children or grands, or my husband will get sick or die. I have to fall at the feet of Jesus when that fear creeps in and actively give it to him, and tell myself that whatever lies ahead God is good. I remind myself of all the amazing ways he blesses me. He spoils me and treats me to the desires of my heart. Times of travel with friends and family, precious moments with those I love, quiet solitude with him. So many times I have felt like I’m at the end of my rope, and God extends the rope. Just like that, God is there! Just like that I find refuge and peace. Just like that there is a different path that leads a way from fear and into His heart.
Yes, God is a “Just like that” kind of God. He is loyal, kind, and fair. He does bring all things together for good. Sometimes it takes years to see that good, but it is there. In my study this morning I read about Jesus healing the blind man with his spit. The first time the man opened his eyes things were not clear; it looked like trees were walking around. Then, Jesus touched him again and the second time he was healed. This has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Jesus is fully capable of healing all at once, so what’s the deal? I think it was an example of process. Jesus does and will heal, but there is a lot of good in the process. Then sometimes after years of praying for healing, just like that we realize that he has done it through the process of life!
Whatever you may be facing today, I pray that you will recognize God’s goodness. I pray that you can say “Just like that” he did what I needed! I pray you have peace.
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