This morning I listened to the story a friend told. Melissa and I met at Panera and we reminisced about the development of her faith. As the adage goes, ‘You don’t know how good you have it until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes.’ Melissa has quite a testimony of faith, it was exciting hearing how the Lord has carried her through the storms in her life. All that to say she’s letting me help write her a book, and, Lord-willing, get it into print. God is good.

It has been awhile since I last posted. Had a busy summer. School started last week which affords more time to work. Looks like we’re having to put the brakes on one of the projects I’d been working on. “Blue Eyes of Hope” will have to hope – and keep the faith. I’ve got little Jade’s pediatric leukemia deal I’ve begun, plus another we’re fixing to begin with Melissa Arterberry. To find out more on Wednesday, though have already done some groundwork. Should be exciting.

Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful day.  I’ve been making so many friends lately.  Like Mr. Rodgers, “It’s all good in the neighborhood.”  Not a lot of time to read or work on my things lately, but so many observations.  Though the majority of people do not, it’s been encouraging to find several folks who share my (our) Christian worldview.  He leadeth me beside still waters….in the presence of my enemies.  The Psalms capture the Lord’s goodness and guidance; also, His protection.  One way or another, we will be protected.  And delivered.  Let us have faith as we live out His dream and what He wants.

It has been awhile since I’ve last posted. Call it absent-mindedness or whatever, but will try to rebound. I’ve been meaning to copy the story I recently read from one of Dana’s magazines; excellent family article. That can wait. We had a good vacation this summer and spent time with great friends. One day we had a “mini-reunion” with some of the families from our children’s school.

In the past few months, we had to make a difficult decision. For the time being, I have had to shelve my Mitochondrial Disease project/book. It’s most unfortunate, had really been making good headway. I had been profusely editing, researching, and writing; spending so much time on it. My inability to get together with the family whose memoir it is has caused this change in direction.

Another family approached me about writing their memoir; specifically of their child with pediatric leukemia. It has been fascinating to delve into this subject. We’re just getting started but remain very enthused.

Not necessarily writing-related but have to mention my experiences today. I had put in six or seven hours on my next writing deal and gotten very warm, prior to our air-conditioner man (TSI) coming for the service call…..our unit failed last night. Derrick Langford, the astute technician, spent several hours trying to help us get service. He pulled some magic out of his hat and arranged for a new and better system to be put in yet this evening. That’s unheard of since it’s already 4.30pm on Friday afternoon.

We may meet him and his wife next week for a meal or something. Looking forward to that, especially since she’s a medical transcriptionist. She MAY be able to get me some more medical/research articles for the next book I’m working on about Mitochondrial Disease. Not many people truly can understand it, besides. My bibliography could always grow; finding information about it hasn’t been the easiest.

Thankful.

Putting in a lot of time recently on the Lawrey memoir. In fact, just finished printing a new draft to look at. Thinking Brandi will be way excited when we get together again, soon. Our last meeting lasted well over four hours….even then, we didn’t get everything accomplished. Hope they’re doing well. Gavin was alert and seemed well last week. Though internally, he may have been writhing in pain. I’ve reworked the chapter titles; they’re subject to approval. Think we’ve come up with a new book title, also. “Blue Eyes of Hope,” and the subtitle is still up in the air.

Writing, editing, working when I can. Our children’s last day of school would be tomorrow. So last night, I didn’t get to bed until 3 or 4 a.m….still doing well, I think, and not too tired yet.

Ready for my upcoming meeting this afternoon with Brandi and Gavin Lawrey. Putting our heads together to see where we are as the book is beginning to take shape. Much to do, but seems we’ve got a good handle on it. Happy 8th tomorrow to the little man.

My friend my church Lisa Heard let me speak to her clients this afternoon. First of all, what a wonderful gal. Secondly, her work setting is phenomenal. Delicate and eager hearts and lives are touched daily, and moment by moment, by her care. Felt like I told them what was on my heart—it was also on my notes LOL. Not enough, probably. There are probably never sufficient words to touch dear people’s lives like them. They eagerly told me their duties and activities afterward. You should have seen the smiles on their faces, their exuberance for living. If only we all could live with such enthusiasm. God is so good!

Fantastic day! Finished some mowing in the morning. Reading, research, conference call. Lunch with the HOA boss. On a sour note, received a text from Brandi….Gavin had another EKG to diagnose his (faltering- we dread) brain activity. Countless hours devoted to research and reading. Brandi and I decided on a publisher for her upcoming book. It’ll be a long process, but we’ll make it. Making good headway on my part of it. Also finding time to work on the ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ “sequel” with Tate.

Absolutely delightful worship service this morning at Bethel Church. Love the choir, the preacher was on fire, and the people are phenomenal. One friend arranged a time for me to speak to her customers at work this week.

After church dismissed, some dear friends invited me to lunch. Wonderful time with Barry and Shannon Carver. They took me to Cider House….incredibly delicious. Had a great visit with them. This is beside the point, but next time I need a car I’m going to look up Barry, Ronnie Thompson Ford, Ellijay. His enthusiasm for his work and for the Lord is contagious, and the quantity and quality of his vehicles is only outmatched by the incentives he can offer.

Got so much done this afternoon. Thought about what I will say at the upcoming meeting, then really dug into the text of the Mitochondrial book I’m working on. Very encouraged by the great insights. God is good.

Fantastic church service in the evening. An all age, church-wide talent show….all for the glory of the Lord.