One last squeeze of summer

Are you squeezing the last bits out of summer too? Let me acknowledge that I don't like shorter days even though I like falling leaves. I don't like the noise that comes through leafless trees, but I do love more of the sunrise that peaks through when it finally comes up. God designed all of these things and it makes me stop my complaining and remember He made it this way for a reason. 

On Sunday a few friends gathered for a pool day to soak up the sun despite the new chill in the water. Our play led to diving into the pool from the side and from the diving board. I was joyfully reminded of the intricate nuances of the dive. Since the girls wanted to learn, I demonstrated. Toes to the end of the board, bend over toward the toes, hands forward, head tucked and tip in. Just the same way a friend taught me when I was 15 years old at her backyard pool. Remember to tuck your head!

Isn't our life as believers a little like learning to dive? Following Jesus is thrilling and refreshing, but transformation doesn't happen all at once.

• not everyone will choose to dive in

• it takes practice

• the practice reveals weakness (painful belly flops teach the diver!)

• circumstances require constant adjustments (a pool, a lake, a high diving board)

• listen to the One instructing, follow His guidance

• even when we know what to do, we keep practicing

As September begins, perhaps there are some nuances in your Christian transformation journey that can use adjustments. Already I have made an adjustment to write scripture out in cursive on my prayer sheet. This helps me recall the scripture and keeps it before me when I pray whether alone or in a group. See the September Prayer Guide at the link below.

I pray daily for the Lord to bring the opportunities He would like for my Christian witness and in using my book Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma for His glory alone. He is doing that through ways I have not expected:

• rekindling friendships and making new ones at the book signing at Landon Lane Candle Co.

• a friend requesting copies of the book for her and a friend going through a difficulty

• church groups requesting me to speak at their gatherings

So if your church group, book club, or gathering could use a Christian speaker, I would be honored to come alongside you. Just reach out—I’d love to hear from you.

On My Nightstand

and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers I grabbed this from my church's book cart. I had read it before and remembered it as a favorite, but one of the joys of aging: you can re-read your old favorites without recalling all the details. (Similar to rewatching your favorite movie.) A young pastor is learning a lot at his first church! If you are part of a church family, there are lovable features in this book from the perspective of the pastor's wife. Francine Rivers is a terrific writer. Give her a try. 

Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay and Charles Fay, Ph.D Want to be a better grandparent? I need to know how to best handle the 2am demand for “water in the pink cup!” It is humorous, easy to read and has plenty of real-life examples in this first few pages. Be sure to buy a used copy to save money!

Falling for Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey This one will be on my nightstand September 14. It is an upcoming release by my favorite NC author who is coming to Mount Pleasant, NC. This will be a fun night with all your bookish friends hosted by the Friends of the Mount Pleasant Library on Monday, September 14 at The Coach House. Get all the details & buy tickets here. I hope to see you there!

I hope your Labor Day weekend includes one last good squeeze of summer. And as we step into September, may we keep learning, adjusting, listening to our Instructor—and remembering to tuck our heads. 😉