I can live without my computer (as long as its preplanned and there is a beach involved).

I’m not the only one who thinks my characters are real.

I missed posting Tuesday, but I have learned that I don’t have to “do” everything. This is the time of year when we write the Christmas letter and consider all that’s happened in our lives. This morning I read a great piece by Brandilyn Collins in her Forensics & Faith newsletter on what she learned in 2009. I couldn’t help considering what 2009 meant for me and my family.

Some things never change- God is still good. Grace is still superabundant. My husband still loves me

more than I understand. My children are still a precious, sweet gift and blessing. God’s word still has the answers. My friends are still treasures.

Some things, however, do change or grow or are added to our life experiences-

God is working in amazing ways in the lives of my children. Seeing their faith grow and become more real to them is an amazing thing to watch.

The words I write can reach the heart of another person. That gives me chills. What a humbling privilege.

I have more in common with my son than I knew. And parenting is a difficult mix of helping and not helping… and knowing which to do.

I am not a bad shot. I’m not great yet, but I’m not bad.

I do have enough self-discipline to run. Unless it’s cold.

I am a techie-nerd. I knew that before, but I have even more evidence now that I have a website, and a newsletter and Facebook and Twitter, etc.

Writing is fun. Editing is hard. Failure is worse. Quitting is impossible.

I can live without my computer (as long as its preplanned and there is a beach involved).

“Good enough”

I get frustrated more easily than I like to acknowledge.

I’m less patient than I previously believed. However, I can still outwait my kids.

Some answers I can’t handle yet.

People in publishing are refreshingly approachable.

There is more good information out there than I can possibly absorb.

Sometimes you just have to call it a day.

I’m not the only one who thinks my characters are real.

Heroes are not always who you think they are.

What about you? What have you learned, experienced or changed?

There are times in Scripture where God helps us out, highlighting His word for us. The highlighter used most often is ‘behold’.

Behold!

I don’t typically use that word in my everyday conversation, and except for Phineas and Ferb, I don’t even hear it on a regular basis. In Scripture, when God uses it, He’s drawing special attention to what He’s saying or doing and that deserves a closer look.

In Luke 2:10, the angel says, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Behold. Get this. Pay attention. The shepherds probably needed a little focus after the whole miraculous, angelic appearance thing. (Just guessing, but I figure they were a little freaked out.)

In Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and will call His name Immanuel.”
Behold. Watch for this.

Psalm 33:18 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.” Behold. You can count on this. I’m telling you…

As you study, watch for the ‘pre-highlighted’ verses, slow down and catch what God has for you in them.