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.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
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.
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
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