Happy Birthday Kim Vogel Sawyer!!!

Today is the birthday of my favorite Christian fiction author, Kim Vogel Sawyer!! I have had the pleasure and honor of meeting Kim at a writers' conference, and she is not only a fabulous author, but a very kind lady too (AND...she LOVES CATS!! What more could you want?!!). ~ Seriously, Kim is a sweet, gracious lady and she uses her God-given talent to write some wonderful, touching books. "Gentle stories of hope" is the phrase she uses to describe her stories, and that is so appropriate. Her stories are not only entertaining, but show the HOPE we can have when we know the Lord and allow Him to work in our lives. ~ The most recent Kim Vogel Sawyer book I read was Fields of Grace. I absolutely loved this historical story, and highly recommend it. Of course, I highly recommend ANY book written by Kim - - once I begin reading, I get "swept up" in the lives of her characters. ~ ~ So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Kim!! May the Lord continue to pour out His blessings on you, sweet friend!

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