winter

Christmas day greeted us with a blanket of new snow.  Before the snow ended there were about 10 inches of the white stuff covering everything in sight.  This was the first major snow on Christmas day in Western North Carolina in over 30 years (or so we are told).  After several days of dealing with the snow, ice and the cold wintry air that blew in after the snowstorm, you might wonder why someone would dream of a "White Christmas".  As I checked my email, Twitter, and Facebook and talked to friends and family I heard over and over again a myriad of laments about the snow.  I was reminded of a truth the Apostle Paul discovered in his life.  To be content on matter what the circumstances of his life.

Winter has started off as a very brutal season, here in the mountains.  I don't mean to minimize the problems it presents for many people.  The family struggling with heating needs, the widow who cannot get to the grocery store, individuals stranded at airports or even on highways, folks who are missing much needed hours at work are just a few of the realities of what the winter weather has brought into individual lives.  However, if we are talking about a life of difficulty, I don't think any of us would not acknowledge that Paul's life experiences contained more calamity than ours.  Yet he found a way to not be discouraged or have a complaining spirit amid beatings, jail time, misunderstandings, disputes with friends, and some many of the things that would have surely discouraged any of us.  So how bad are my circumstances, anyway?

The truth is "God is in control" and "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good".  So let's find the beauty in our situations and thank the Lord for His presence and guidance even in the most difficult times.

Winter

New morning light

Shows a layer of white

Hiding the dead

Bringing beauty instead

Fence post and tree limb

Clad in a pale skin

Icy and cold

Outlining each fold

Gray curling smoke

From a fire being stoked

Wind blowing strong

Icicles long

Bed covers pulled tight

Embers glow bright

Steam from a cup

Kids bundled up

Frost laden glimpses

Rousing my senses

Reminders I know

Of wintertime's glow

Challenges

These last few weeks have been somewhat of a blur.  As I opened up this blog to write another post, I was amazed to discover that more than a month has passed since my last post. I also was surprised to realize that I had started a previous entry while in Korea and had never completed that effort.   It doesn't seem possible that it has been so long since I last sat down to share.

There is no way to recount or adequately convey all that recent travels have brought into my life.  New friends and faces, old relationships renewed, places visited, foods I haven't even imagined existed, are now a part of my collective life story.  New horizons and new challenges are also a part of my newly revised view of life.

I have now had the opportunity to watch videos of children in Africa listening to and responding to words that came from my heart.  That is an incredible life experience.  I have shared with students and adults in Asia and watched as they were drawn into Dorothy's tale.  How exciting was that?! 

We are now contemplating new story lines, additional markets, and a much wider scope of opportunity.  All of this also brings new and more complex challenges to a plate that in many ways already seemed full.  I wonder if I am up to the tasks ahead. 

I have been drawn back to the life story of Joshua - God's statesmen, general - who had the unenviable task of following Moses as the leader of God's people.  Joshua was thrown into that position in part because he had been one of only two individuals (along with Caleb) to have had the courage to suggest that the "promised land" as within Israel's grasp. Yet the message God had for Joshua was "be strong and courageous, do not be terrified for I am with you".  Out of all the individuals whose exploits are recorded for us, Joshua seems to be one of the least likely to have needed this message.  Still, it is to him that God spoke these words.

One truth I take from this glimpse into Joshua's life experience is that we all struggle with how to deal with the challenges that God given opportunity brings into our lives.  If my life is without challenge then I most certainly am not where God wants me to be.  The fact that I am facing a myriad of challenges does not ensure that I am where I am supposed to be, but their absence would provide absolute evidence that I need to find my way back to His path for my life. 

A second insight comes as I read the account of Joshua's early morning encounter with the "captain of the Lord's army".  Joshua was all about doing what I would be doing, when faced with obstacles and challenges.  He was developing a plan.  In truth, he was seeking God's guidance in developing this plan, but he saw it as "Joshua's plan" for Israel, that needed God's blessing.  This "captain of the Lord's army"  quietly but firmly reminded Joshua that He was not on Joshua (or Israel's) side.  In fact when Joshua asked him "whose side are you on"?  the response was a shocker.  This commander whose alliance Joshua sought was not interested in taking the side of Joshua.  He had His own plan, agenda or "side".  Joshua needed to be on the Lord's side, and not be so consumed with gaining God's favor for his plans.

The challenges of life that I encounter because I am following God's plan for my life will be met and conquered because, it is His plan.  He utilizes His insight and resources to accomplish His purposes.  If I become convinced of this reality, then courage in the face of challenges, obviously larger than than my reservoir of resource, can be my experience. 

I am writing this post from Korea.  We have been here for just over a week and will be leaving in a couple of days.  Our time here has included so much.

I have had the privilege of sharing with nearly 20 student groups from preschoolers to high schoolers.  Joyce has also shared with many of the groups.  Today's events were all held at Central Christian Academy in Suwon.  These were especially interesting because the students were all Korean and were speaking English as a second language.  Sharing with them about such topics as rhyming words, rhyming sequence, and meter patterns was challenging, but they seemed captivated by the books (especially the Dorothy book).

Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we were excited to be apart of the ACSI International Teachers' Conference.  There were almost 1000 international educators who gathered from nearly 30 countries.  Both Joyce and I led workshops.  We are thrilled to have been able to meet with some incredible leaders in the International education community.  We learned a great deal and feel we have seen some awesome doors of opportunity begin to open. 

As has been happening in recent weeks, the Lord continues to connect us with individuals who have a desire to minister to orphans and other disadvantaged children.

I opened up this file to post a new blog and discovered that I had never posted this entry.  Rather than complete this, I am posting it "as is" and will post another that will hopefully provide some follow up to these thoughts.

Let's see what He does!

I am up early this morning, reflecting on the events of the last several days.  Joyce and I are in Tyler, TX for three days of book events.  We have had several wonderful days of travel and events already.

It began on Saturday as we arrived in Pensacola, FL and were blessed to spend time with some great friends.  We were able to share the joy of the Payne family as they welcomed their newest member - Jaxson - into their lives.  God has placed Jaxson into a loving and caring home.  He has parents who love the Lord and will love him.  He has grandparents and others who will shower him with affection and support.  He is a blessed newborn.  I am reminded that there are so many children who are not so blessed.  

On Sunday we were at an incredible church - First Methodist of Pensacola.  They are doing a remarkable job of reaching people in downtown Pensacola.  They have a wonderful children's ministry, led by Lisa.  She has become a real encouragement to us. It is awesome to see how she is motivating families to reach out and help others - especially children.

Later that day, we were privileged to minister at First Baptist Church in Milton, FL.  Elaine and others had done such a great job in preparing for our visit.  We were completely unaware that they had recognized the day as - Orphan Sunday.   We had a great time and made some wonderful new friends.  We were able to meet Dr. Musselwhite, who is a leader with the Florida Baptist State Convention's Children's Homes.  It is incredible to see God directing us again and again into conversations with those who are already working with orphans and underprivileged children. 

Yesterday we were in Mexia, TX at a book signing.  The store owner Katrina and her mother Melva were so kind and thoughtful.  The Lord, once again, brought in individuals already involved in meeting the needs of children through adoptions, reading programs, church children's ministries, and orphanages.   

Yesterday was also the day that Brett, who is now working with us, headed to Kenya for several days of travel with the leaders of Project 82.  This ministry is reaching many, many orphans in Kenya and is supported by Mt. Bethel UMC of Atlanta and Biltmore Baptist Church of Asheville along with many others.  We are working to develop a cooperative ministry effort with Project 82 and TWR(Trans World Radio), Biltmore and others, that will result in the distribution of our soon to be released book, "Dorothy and the Good Shepherd" to thousands of children in Kenya.  Pray for safety for the group traveling in Kenya, and wisdom as they spend time together. 

God is unmistakably directing us to become more actively involved in ministry to orphans and disadvantaged children.  The list of indivduals, Christian leaders, ministries, adoptive parents, and churches that the Lord has brought us into contact with in the last few days, weeks, and months, who have a heart to meet these enormous needs, is too long to recount. 

The thread of His leading is clear.  Our commitment to follow His leading is firm.  We are excited to see what God will accomplish as we move forward. 

My mind keeps going back to Ephesians 3, where Paul explains that even though we are not worthy or capable, God has determined to use us to accomplish things of eternal consequence.  The apostle ends his discussion of this mystery of Grace by reminding us that - "He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine".  Let's see what He does!

The Roanoke Star

Here we are, spending a couple of days in the Roanoke valley.  We have had two amazing days. 

On Friday we were able to meet with several hundred students at Oak Grove Elementary School, a public school in the Roanoke area.  It was dress up day for the younger grades so we got to see all kinds of celebrities.  Mario and Luigi, Disney princesses, Minnie Mouse, pirates, gangsters, and all sorts of other characters came out to the assemblies along with their other classmates. 

It is always an honor to share with students about our books and the importance of reading, writing, and working hard at school.  We had a great time with students and staff.  It is also encouraging to meet hard-working, faithful, Christian administrator's, teachers, and other staff who are making a difference in the lives of students everyday.  We met several professionals in this school who fit that description. 

Later in the same day we were able to forge an exciting new business relationship with a well established book reseller that enjoys a national distribution.  The story of Scripture Truth is one of those stories of how God took an individual committed to sharing his faith and accomplished so much more than anyone would have ever imagined.  It was inspiring to hear their history recounted and to see their ministry in action.

Today we are honored to share in a local church, where the pastor has a direct tie to us.  Pastor Frasor was a young man who sat under the ministry of my father over 50 years ago.  David has had a wonderful ministry in the Roanoke area for years and we are very honored to be in his church this morning.  It is always thrilling to hear from people all over the country who were impacted by Dad and Mom's ministry.  We run into individuals in so many different places who come up to us and share how their lives were changed through Mom and Dad's influence and input into their lives.

Through out our days here we have been blessed by the love and hospitality of Ryan, Alisa, and Cohen.  They are part of our family who live in the area. We had a great time sharing laughs, meals, stories, and sites together.  It's great to see them serving Christ with their lives and in their home.  It has taken some work to get Cohen to warm up to his old, bearded, loud-mouthed Uncle Tim, but last night we finally broke through - I got a treasured "night-night" hug. 

On top of one of the mountains that dot the landscape around Roanoke is the Roanoke Star.  It is a huge metal star that is lit up every night and shines over the valley to remind folks, of the fact, that Roanoke is a wonderful place to live and work.  As you can imagine, I was reminded of the "Star of Bethlehem" and also of the fact that we are to "let our light shine before men, so that they can see our Father in heaven".  We have met several "stars" here in Roanoke who are shedding light in their world.  That has been an exciting thing to see!

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away

These past few days have been interesting as I have watched God's hand at work in a myriad of situations. In some of these areas of life God has taken things away in His time and in His way.  In other areas He has given in ways that have exceeded my request or expectation.

Today we will attend the funeral of a dear friend of many, many years.  She was a sweet and faithful follower of Christ and has always been there to encourage our lives.  Her family has followed her example of love and care for the body of Christ.  She passed suddenly and will be greatly missed - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!

We received word this week that another close friend and brother continues to lose ground in his battle with brain cancer.  Loss of sight, seizure, disorientation, and overall weakness is slowly taking its toll on his physical body.  But he continues to rest and draw strength in God's faithfulness and daily provision of grace - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!

As our business enterprise grows we have taken a major step, at God's leading, to move away from one business partner and move closer to another partner.  On the one hand we are giving up meaningful potential but also significant frustration.  On the other hand, the Lord has provided a partner with visionary leadership, a strong desire to follow His leadership, and incredible opportunities for growth.  This will mean changes in how we will accomplish the goals God has put in our hearts - The Lord giveth the Lord taketh away!

My prayer is that we will be aware of God's hand of grace in those areas where we see Him taking away, so that our hearts are filled with praise in the same way that we are given over to rejoicing, when we see Him pouring out on us so much of His grace in those parts of our lives where we are fully aware of His gifts that we see as adding blessing to our lives.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Birthday pies

October 16 - just another day on the calendar for most people.  A few days after the 12th, which has significance because of a rather ancient Spanish adventurer, and few days before the 31st when so much is made of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. The average person sees the 16th as one more day to grind out. 

This year October 16 fell on a Saturday.  Here in Western North Carolina it was quite a beautiful day.  The air was brisk in the morning.  A stiff autumn breeze rattled the trees.  Leaves are reaching their annual peak of color.  As the day wore on, the sun began to heat up the day.  Jackets came off.  Tee shirts, flip-flops, and shorts were still appropriate as the last hints of an extremely hot summer could still be felt. 

I spent much of the day completing chores around the yard.  There is limited time to accomplish all that must be done in preparation for the winter months.  So I chased leaves out of the yard, cared for the horses, mowed grass, began clearing the garden, and stacked wood.  These are activities that have often filled the hours of October 16th.

But, October 16 is not just another autumn day in my life.  It is the annual celebration of the day "I discovered America".  It is not celebrated with parades or special sales, or those other annual community-wide events that sometimes occur in honor of that other "discovery of America".  Most of the folks in my community had no idea that this day had any special significance.  If they found themselves celebrating, it almost certainly had nothing to do with my own personal reasons.  Still, this day is important in my life. 

Growing up I don't remember a lot of special parties and I can only recall a few birthday gifts, even though I have received hundreds over these past 50 plus years.  What I do remember are birthday pies.  That's right - not birthday cakes, although I have had my share.  I remember the pies. 

Being one of five children in the home of a pastor meant that celebrations were not extravagant events.  Mom and Dad quickly learned that what could make these occasions memorable was to find ways to keep them uniquely special for each person.  Mom knew that I loved her chocolate and her butterscotch pies.  So each year I could count on the sounds and smells of homemade birthday pies being baked on October 16.

Joyce, my bride of over 35 years has maintained this time honored tradition for me.  As I sit here reflecting on the events of yesterday, I am savoring the taste of homemade butterscotch pie (I'll have some chocolate pie a little later).  I recipe is the same one Mom used all those many years ago.  Yesterday was a rather quiet celebration.  The kids called to extend their hopes that I had a great day.  I was serenaded by my 3 incredible granddaughters, then Joyce and I were treated to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants.  Later on, as I watched my favorite college football team play unexpectedly well and a couple of my least favorite college football teams be unexpectedly defeated I reflected on another wonderful October 16th and enjoyed the taste of homemade birthday pies.

A Marvelous Perspective

The past week or so have been somewhat trying.  Both Joyce and I have been battling some type of virus or flu.  It was certainly more than the good old "common cold".  Things are always sort of drab and dreary when you get back from an exciting vacation.  In this particular case there were several thorny issues that we needed to handle.  There is so much to be done before we hit the full stride of our Christmas season.

I am ashamed to admit that I was discouraged and dismayed as I waded into what seemed like some incredibly perilous waters.  We committed our way to the Lord and began to work on the issues we faced.  By week's end we had seen God once again prove that He is able to do "immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine".  Then last night - Sunday evening October 10 we received some truly heartrending news.  A very dear friend, incredibly gifted musician, and devoted disciple of Christ - David Carson has recently been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor.  Dave and I have laughed together, hunted together, eaten together, worshiped together, fought a family of skunks together, been neighbors, and friends.  We toured together with a male quartet we helped form called the "New Beginning" too many years ago to admit.  Dave has always had a heart for God.  He has been a loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, spirit filled musician and gifted Bible teacher. 

We had lost touch with Dave and Pam for several years, until late last fall when we reconnected in Apex, NC around a rather large pizza.  It was a great time that both Joyce and I have cherished over these past few months.  Then yesterday the devastating news.  I must say there have been few things in my life that have been more disturbing to me than when we heard of Dave's illness.

I picked up the phone and dialed Dave and Pam's number hoping to be able to encourage Pam that we would be standing with them through what may very well be dark days.  Instead, Dave answered the phone!  As we talked, and he shared how blessed he and his family were, I was amazed and ashamed.  How could I have let such temporal difficulties cloud my days.  David continues to inspire.  He knows that apart from a Divine intervention of miraculous proportions, his days on this earth are rather few.  However, he shared how "glorious" (his words) the prospects of seeing Christ and experiencing His presence has become in his life.

What an incredible testimony, what an marvelous perspective.  Thanks Dave for sharing your love for Christ to so many and allowing us to see Christ in and through you.  You can be assured of my prayers and support as you fight the battle God has called you to wage. 

"He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it!"

Memories

Just wrapping up an incredible family vacation to Disney World.   For years, Joyce has wanted to take the kids and grandkids to Disney as a part of her celebration of her retirement.  Well retirement time came, and so we went to Disney, as planned.  What a wonderful time, full of magical memories.

Something not so profound occurs to me.  Everything at Disney is built around a common, human theme - Time.

There are reminders of the past.  Everything from dinosaurs, to famous Presidents, to stories from "long ago and far away".  There are entire sections of parks and massive shows and rides devoted to the future.  There's everything from Tomorrowland to Buzz Lightyear.  Then there are the reminders that we live in the present.  The entire complex caters to your every whim or desire to fill the present moment with fun, laughter, and experience.

We've been here a week and we have made a wealth of memories to review in our minds and hearts.  Seeing the girls' eyes bright with wonder and joy, sharing meals around small tables while recounting the last great roller coaster, and watching Joyce beam as the night sky exploded in incredible fireworks over a fairytale castle are all memories to carry from now on. 

Time well spent with the one's you love is not time lost.  The hours spent together will enhance our lives as we reflect on our memories of an amazing TIME together.

Eastern shore

We just returned from a whirlwind trip to the Eastern shore of Maryland, with a few days in Eastern Virginia and also a couple of days in Baltimore, thrown in for good measure.  It would require more space than I am prepared to fill to give adequate attention to all that we did while we were there.


Over the course of 8 days I was privileged to speak at a local church, speak at 3 Christian school chapels, share books 5 times in 3 public schools, meet with a group of home school parents, was interviewed on WOLC, held a book signing at the Gospel Shop, shared the books at a preschool, met with two illustrators, met with a Christian school group about upcoming events, met with a representative at the Smithsonian,and had two incredible days sharing our "Francis" book at Fort McHenry.

 It is exciting to see the enthusiasm people are expressing about all of the books.  It is difficult to take in all that God is doing.  These are amazing days for us. 

At the same time, the exhaustion from all the activity and pressures related to helping to manage a growing business enterprise have taken their toll.  I find that I struggle to not allow the tension that all of this creates to rob me of the Joy that should be overflowing right now.

One thing that was and is a great source of encouragement is the support of an incredible family and the love that we received from some awesome friends in Virginia and Maryland.  The work Joyce, Ben, Brett, and Angie are doing is incredible.  Ted, Becky, Susie, Don, Nick and Heather extended themselves beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  It was great to begin to get to know new friends Tony, Vince, Joe, Matt, Duane and others (too many to list). 

When God is working, the unbelievable happens.  We experienced that this week. When God is working, Satan is also shooting his darts. We also experienced that this week.  But, "greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world." 

Thank you Lord, for an incredible experience this past week.  I can't wait to see what you are going to accomplish.  At the same time, I am checking to make sure that I am properly attired in my spiritual armor.

So it begins

So it begins - the blogging that is!

The days are filled with a myriad of activities.  There are meetings to attend, text to proof, contacts to make, events to plan, workshops to prepare, reservations to make, horses to feed, and dogs to walk.  So many exciting opportunities as we approach the fall and holiday seasons.  
 

Yesterday alone, we were able to confirm several new public schools that have invited me to come and share about our books.  Both Joyce and I were also confirmed as presenters for the upcoming ACSI International Conference in Suwon, Korea.   Two days ago I met with a number of individuals to begin planning for what appears to be a whole series of activities to occur later this fall in Georgia.  At the same time we are preparing to leave next week for several book events, in Virginia and Maryland, that will culminate with book signings at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore.  Today I will be able to pick up the completed illustrations for my new, upcoming book Dorothy and the Good Shepherd.


Yet in the midst of so much that is amazing - yesterday was an incredibly frustrating day as we tried to work through all of the mechanics of making sure that our budding publishing business is working as it should.  The reality is that there are always going to be good and bad in every day and in all that we do.  I have to stay focused on what God is doing and on two important truths. One is that God is at work to accomplish good in the events of my life - Romans 8:28.  The second is that He is able to more than I can even imagine is possible - Ephesians 3:20.

Disappointment results from my limited sight

Of how things should be, or what I thinks right

Its often the case that my outlook will change

When the facts are all in, or a loss looks like gain

When my focus is centered on what affects me

I interpret each factor, on the little I see

Its hard to determine what really is good

When I only can see to the end of the hood

So why not relax - Trust one who see's all

Who's as big as my problems, while I am so small

And He's One who love's me.  He'll bring what is best

I know with his leading, I'll always be blest

TP