Wrapping Up August 2020

Today is the last day of August 2020. We have arrived at what normally is my favorite time of year - the beginning of the academic year and FALL! (Why doesn't the calendar year begin when school does? Who was in charge of deciding all that?)

I've already been eyeing my wardrobe - "Well, maybe I'll wear this ONE more time before it cools off." I've been gazing at my tops with 3/4 length sleeves and my booties and trying to decide if I can wear them on 70 degree days or had I better wait until the thermometer hits 65?

Before I can jump wholeheartedly into fall; however, there are more important questions to ask. You might want to answer them along with me.

1. Where did you see God in August?

2. What's one thing you know for sure?

3. What are you looking forward to in September?

I saw God in August in His tender care of me. Here's what happened: I've been teaching a series on Wednesday nights called "God Is ... The Names and Attributes of God." I was on part two. Both parts of the series draw heavily on the idea He is our Shepherd, our Provider, He gives us everything we need. I ended my talk with a statement to the effect of "When you consider His watchcare over us, what do we have to worrry about? Why should we worry?"

Then we walked out to our car and discovered the alternator belt was broken. 

Now it's time to live what we preach. 

Long story short, we were able to get the car to the mechanic, even though the lights went out several times (scary!) and the battery had to be jumped. The mechanic finished the job in a matter of hours. And it cost less than $100. (Anytime a car repair bill is under $100, it is cause for rejoicing.)

Seriously, God helps us in similar situations all the time. I am so thankful He cares even in the daily stresses of life.

One thing I know for sure: the word of God is always relevant. I ran across this passage the other day and it really spoke to me:

10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,


“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:10-17 NLT

This is no time to sleep; it's time to shine with the light of Christ. No matter how dark it is, the smallest candle makes an impact.

You can make a difference. Be positive, be smiling, be hopeful. Right away, those things will distinguish you from the crowd.

In September, I'm looking forward to the "Breaking the Walls that are Holding You Back!" Ladies Retreat. I'm invited to share at the retreat and I'm praying and believing God is going to set people free. I covet your prayers, especially on September 25.

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