A Day Never Forgotten...

Ten Years ago...one terrible, nightmarish journey. September 11, 2011. A day wrought in tragedy and death. Can anything good come of it?

September 11, 2011 a little after 9 AM. It had become a usual routine for me to do some work before turning on the TODAY show and eating my breakfast around 9 AM. Today was no different. I had just done some cleaning , we were going to have a friend come over in the afternoon to look at my husband's computer. I settled down as usual in my chair with a bowl of Raisin Bran. The TODAY team had just joked about something. Then Katie Couric came on to say that there was an incident at the World Trade Center. A small commuter plane had hit it, they were saying, and switched live to the scene. I sat there eating my cereal, thinking what a terrible thing to have happen once again (I recalled the bombing there about seven years back). I told my son who was in the back getting ready for school to come see the burning building. As I was watching this live, I saw a huge jetliner careen across the screen and into the second World Trade Center building, followed by a tremendous fireball. I nearly dropped my bowl but managed to put it on the table. This was history unfolding before his eyes and mine. I knew we were under attack and a terrible event was happening. And it went on for hours. More planes. More explosions. Buildings collapsing. The innocent dying. It was an event from hell.

My parents used to talk about the Day of Infamy when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. They were kids back then. I had been to the Arizona memorial in Hawaii and was moved. But I never thought I would witness an attack in my lifetime. Until September 11, 2001 when our own airplanes and US citizens were used against us. It was a horrifying thing.

What good can possible come from something so awful? I do know that for the first time, everything stopped. No one cared about money or politics. People came together and prayed. People hung the flag, put it on their cars instead of college alma maters, burned candles, sung patriotic songs. USA shirts and hats were worn everywhere and were hot ticket items. People were Americans. We grieved as a nation. We were family.

Dear God, I pray nothing like this will have to happen again to make us realize who we are as a nation - one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

What were you doing on 9/11, and how did it affect you?

Prayers and Answers

Cross of Comfort during my Appalachian Trail Hike in '07, PA

Today was a day of prayer. I had multiple things going on, mostly family-wise, that required some deep intercession. So my husband and I took time away from all the busyness of needing to get things ready for his work to pray for these many situations. Prayer is really letting go of what bothers us and resting them in God's capable hands. It is a way to put faith into action. To look at things above, which is what I read about today in my time of scripture reading. To cast all our cares onto Him for He cares for us. And tonight I have seen some fruit of answered prayer. Not that I was concerned He would or would not answer. But that He would answer in His most perfect timing and in the way He sees fit.
II Corinthians 4: 17, 18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.


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I've Returned from an Adventure with Lessons Learned

I have returned from a four month hike on the Appalachian Trail much richer for the experience. I first hiked the trail in Virginia. I then began the trail in Maine in the most challenging terrain on the AT. I hiked until PA then went back down to VA and hiked until I reached the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia. My plan is to return to the trail next spring to finish the southbound hike through PA and MD. I will then have hiked this trail both north and south - a feat few have done.

But why? Why do something like this? I questioned that myself. Until God began to whisper to me the answer. That it is good too remove oneself from familiar circumstances where you are in control, where things are comfortable, and venture out into the unknown, placing your very life on the edge of a cliff, so to speak. I asked God as I hiked this summer and fall why I am out here like this. What does He intend to show me? I enjoy His creation, of course. The mountains and a new sunrise and sunset. But the trail teaches me that He is all I ever need in life's journey. In future blogging I will delve into the many ways He miraculously provided for even simple things like food, water, shelter; helped me find the answer to questions and contemplations of my heart, gave me endearing friends and families along the journey, and enriched my life as a person and a writer so I might share with others what I have learned.

And here is a major lesson learned. Never shrink back from embracing a new adventure that may put you into a place of vulnerability. Allow God full reign in that place. Give Him your cares, your worries, your fears, your discomforts, your goals and dreams. Let Him be the guiding force in making what you desire come true, and fulfilling your destiny here on earth. We have such a short time here to do what He wishes in and with our lives. Don't ignore the open doors of opportunities. Don't shut out possibility, even if it might be scary to you. Open your arms wide to receive and take steps forward in faith. Then watch what He will do and stand in awe.

A Feast of Trials

This past week has been one of trials and tribs, which we all face. It had begun a few weeks ago with a left ankle problem (and of a strange and unknown origin). It then escalated to GI problems in which I was diagnosed with ulcers and possible other damage. Not to mention the other personal and also national events going on. Sometimes with trials it seems they can also be either feast or famine. And it sure seems as if I am having a banquet of them laid out before me at this time.

But God is not without faithfulness to see one through. The testing of faith produces patience. The trials are only for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. And today I got good news that the issues in my GI tract are not as bad as I feared. The ankle is still a question mark (and as you know, I do love to be active) But I feel God is also in control of that situation. I am still uncertain of my path the next few months but trust He will guide me in them. And as for the other things of life and in our nation that can try men's souls, they are best left in the hands of One who knows what to do with them. And if I am called upon to help or to do the work of a soldier in battle, He will also lead me in that area as well.

Okay, I don't have all the answers. I see a lot of unknown before me. But it is in these times one must remember His past faithfulness. He has not let me down once. He will make His will know even in areas I don't understand. And I can only follow.

This Way or That...

You are at the crossroad of indecision. There are many avenues to choose. One way. The other way. Or as the scarecrow says in The Wizard of Oz, "Of course some people go both ways!"

So which way do you go?

I am one who looks for signs. Here is a sign I saw while on my hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007 (I am soon celebrating the two year anniversary of our life changing hike). There were storm clouds rolling across the sky and a sixteen mile hike to safety loomed before my son and I. We had never hiked such a distance. Could we do it? Should we do it? I felt the weight of indecision. It can come like a boulder resting heavy upon your shoulders. The burden of indecision.

But there is an avenue out of indecision. Signs and wonders that can come through inquiry. I inquired of God what to do. I came upon this overlook on the trail and saw this image of the sun casting a ray of light in the exact direction of the town we were hoping to get to. Sign number one. But then we were offered another sign, by a veteran hiker of the trail - Warren Doyle, whom we stumbled upon at a turn. I told him my predicament and uneasiness in hiking 16 miles over unknown ground. And he assured me we could easily do the 16 miles to the next gap and pick up a shuttle to town.

So we received not one but two signs. Both visual and verbal. And we hastened to the gap and our ride, arriving in time to the motel before the skies opened and temperatures fell into the single digits. A safe and warm haven, indeed.

Perhaps you are in a time of indecision in your life or with your writing. Never fear, help is on the way. It could be in the form of a visual sign. A word of encouragement from the Bible or from a friend. Or that still, small voice in our spirit that begs us to trust. In whatever sign you see, let it be your guiding light. And follow.

Witness to a House Fire

This is a true story that just happened....

It's February 14th, 2009.

Valentine's Day.

I had just completed a run around the neighborhood, and I'm still recuperating from the exertion. I'm getting ready for a bite to eat.

Suddenly I hear the scream of a siren. I glance out the window to see a fire engine whizzing past my house and up the hill. I can see a billow of smoke funneling down from above. And then I spot the smoke rising from some house on top of the hill. A neighbor's house is on fire, and one I had just run past not a half hour ago!

I pull on my shoes and dash up the hill to see the left side of the double wide trailer engulfed and smoke coming through the roof. I stand there as engines from three companies arrive. Before me, firefighters are shrugging on their gear- the pants, boots, coat, the oxygen tank, the facial masks. It's like something out of a movie. I'd never been this close to such action.

After two hours the scene quiets down. Everyone leaves. And all that is left is a burned house. I can't help but grieve in my heart for the family. I'm thankful they weren't home but sad for them all the same. They were the ones who had tons of decorations for Halloween and Christmas. They had a pool in the back and playground equipment for the son. They had lots of things.

The next day I venture back with my husband to the house and the family. Blackened, burned furniture fills the carport in front of their gutted home. A blue plastic tarp like a shroud covers the burned area. They invite us in to see the damage. I had never stepped inside a home ravaged by fire. It reeks of smoke and melted plastic. The entire house has suffered damage of some sort. They show me where they think the fire started - probably electrical - and the grandfather is highly upset. The grandmother is dazed. The son is trying to take it all in stride. But the living room and kitchen are gone. The ceiling and walls are either burned away, black, or bare. There are holes in the bedrooms where the firefighters had checked for fire creeping inside the wall and ceiling. The young guy shows me his son's room - his toys are mostly okay, but holes are in the ceiling and his bedspread is covered in black ash. The guy then shows his room and a huge computer set up with a 32 wide flat screen TV. He thinks it's okay, but I can clearly see the ash on it and likely water damage. He' s hopeful. I'm not so sure.

I arrive back to my own home, humbled by what I have seen. I take stock as I look about at my possessions. Like that home, I could step out one day and return to a home gutted by fire. What are my possessions then? Will it matter what I have gathered here on earth? After what I have seen, I can truly consider the meaning of the scripture (Matthew 6: 19-21) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, were thieves break in and steal - but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

It's easy to get into possessions. We are a possession-driven society. But after what I saw this weekend, I must strive to for those eternal treasures. The ones that will never burn up in a fire. The treasures God is keeping safe for me and that I can enjoy when I get to heaven. Giving. Healing. Praying. Believing. Having faith. The fruits of the Spirit. The "things" that really matter in life.

Having a Vision for 2009 and Beyond

I heard a wonderful sermon this past Sunday from our associate pastor about the need for a vision. And what better time to bring to mind this kind of word than in a brand new year, 2009. We need a vision to help guide and direct our path. One that through much prayer and the reading of God's word becomes defined in our lives and ultimately is the goal we look to attain. For without a vision, we perish.

So what is your vision for 2009? Surely as writers, we hope to have a vision for our writing ministry. Maybe to write that book proposal, or finish a book, or submit a work. I have several books to be written this year, so without a doubt my vision is to see that these books are the best I can make them, through careful research, writing, and God's guidance. But I also need a vision for future endeavors. I would like to do more hiking. I would like to see the dreams and aspirations of my family come to pass. But I will say that for the most part, a long term vision seem a bit murky right now. I must look out beyond this year to see what may lie ahead for me. To know that though I have accomplished many things, God still has a big plans in the works. And step by step, staying close to Him, they will be revealed.

So stay tuned as my vision is made clearer.

I'm Cranky...

Okay, I know you have gotten days like this. I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets them. We have had quite a November already - in fact I was telling my husband tonight that it's okay by me if November disappears (even though this month we celebrate his birthday and tomorrow is our 19th wedding anniversary - and of course, next week is Thanksgiving of all things!). But the month started out bad with family issues and still seems to be running the gauntlet of trials and tests. Appliances and cars exploding. Tax issues. Assorted health thingies (is thingie even a word?). I am like the little girl above, being served a dish of yucky, stringy green trials and tribs and saying with a pout, "I don't want any!"

I know last week I talked about the necessity of prayer. And that is still so important, especially when one is feeling the way I am tonight. But we are emotional beings. God made us that way. There will be times that,yes, we are feeling out of sorts. That the pressures are big and seemingly insurmountable. And the best thing to do is get real with them. Like I am doing tonight. Talking about it. Saying that this is tough and the way seems cloudy. I'm sure Job in the Bible felt the same way. He took his complaints to God. And God answered them, not only with quiet rebuttals but also by the miracle of restoration.

So in crankiness can come the hope of restoration. That I might be the deer panting, wondering, yearning to see the Lord. But hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. For the help of His countenance. Psalm 42

The Effective Prayer...

If there is one thing I have learned over the course of the last week, that is the effective prayer of a righteous man...which the Bible says avails much.

Sometimes the prayer comes not in the way we think it should. But God's promise is that it will avail much if we are in a right standing with Him. That He hears and He answers. I had much to pray for this past week. For family issues, for our nation, for upcoming books and how to manage my time. For appliances and cars that are on the fritz. For so many things it seems to boggle the mind. But God it is not mind boggled by it. It is not above what He can and will handle if we surrender it to Him.

But the most important thing is to yield when prayer comes forth. And to accept help in prayer in times of need. I have been so blessed in recent days by the body of Christ - sisters in the Lord, coming forward to intercede along with me for these needs in my life. To take the time to pray in a car or on the phone or online. Wow, what a powerful thing that can be. To intercede on the behalf of others. To call to mind the needs of those above your own. Yes, I have been inundated it seems with a multitude of prayer requests. But I witnessed the love of others who come alongside to join in that intercession. To pray until answers are given. To stand firm, holding up my arms, if you will, doing battle in the heavenlies. How beautiful it is when brethren dwell together in unity. But especially in the unity of prayer. It cannot help but availeth much in these times that try men's souls.