to my unborn granddaughter

To: Nora who remains in the womb

From: Nana who remains in the world

From one who has gone before…

Dear Nora,

Beautiful baby girl, you will soon be joining us here in your new world. Our current world.  I know that must sound odd. You probably have so many questions. What is it like? How will I get there? Why do I have to leave what I know for the unknown? Is the next place better? Is it the final place?

Please don’t ever think that Nana is unkind for not answering every question. It is not because I do not love you, but because I do that I answer your questions only in part at this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I could answer your questions with many details. I have words to describe the world you are about to enter. I have lived here for many years and have seen many things. The challenge is how do I describe it to one who has never seen?

So I will answer your questions in part. As one who has gone before, I will try to help you understand what is to come by associating it to what you currently know.

Now you experience our world through the filter of the womb. In your new world you will still hear heartbeats and feel warmth. Voices will still speak and sing to you. You will feel the touch of your father and the encompassing embrace of your mother.

And more.

In our world your ears will hear more clearly. Your skin will register a direct yet tender touch. Light will enable your eyes to focus on many splendid things. And your body will be free to venture and explore.

Do not fear the passing over from your world into ours. The process actually prepares you for what is to come. There are many who love you, anxiously waiting your arrival. Eager to care for you and train you in your new surroundings. Excited to share with you the many sights, sounds, and sensations. It will take a lifetime to explore all the vastness of this place!

Yes, precious one, you must leave your current home in order to experience the next. In so many ways it is better than your current environment. If given the option, would I return to the womb? No. Not after experiencing this world.

Is it your final place? No. There is one other world awaiting you. It has a special name. Heaven. Can I describe it to you? No.

I have not been there. I know in part because God has mentioned it in His book. In this, Nora girl, I am like you. Trusting the One who has gone before. Accepting what little He tells me. Believing that even though I don’t know, One who loves me does. I choose to trust Him to fill in the details when I arrive.

With much love and great anticipation,

Nana

Armor Across the Ages--a writer dressing for battle

I don’t know what to wear! I must have repeated that refrain a dozen times while packing, unpacking, and then repacking for the weekend. Fashion is not my forte and the weather forecast was changing faster than my whims. Finally on the morning of the event, I threw a few mix-n-match sweaters and leggings in my luggage and zipped it. I hoped I hadn’t forgotten any of the essentials. Like underwear.

I was on my way to the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. The writing workshop theme was a Boot Camp. Participants were challenged to advance—not retreat--
to boldly follow the LORD in our individual assignments. It got me thinking about being adequately dressed for battle .

As a literature teacher and avid reader, I love tales from other times. One of my favorites is Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. He dressed for battle in the kind of armor displayed in castles and museums.

I did some research and found some interesting facts about a knight’s protective clothing that I think can be applied to those of us who write.

• It was designed for warriors.
• It was tailor-made
• It came at a cost.
• It required a support team.
• It required training.
• It was restrictive.

Armor was made for warriors. Writing the next chapter or even the next sentence can be a battle. Distractions and doubt are formidable foes.

A knight’s suit was tailor-made. The metal was fitted specifically for that warrior. As writers for God’s kingdom, He calls and equips each of us for our individual assignments.

It comes at a cost. Writing well is hard work and the time required to complete the task seems ever elusive.

 A knight needed others. A warrior submitted to extensive training and putting on that gear was a group activity. Writers are wise to surround themselves with a support team and seek training.

Finally, the gear was both protective and restrictive. It was not designed for running. A hasty retreat was not possible, but a knight could advance as ground was gained. He couldn’t sit down or fall asleep on the job. The only comfortable position was to stand.

As Christian writers we are to put on the full protection of God, purchased by the blood of Christ, custom-made for each of us. Trained and supported, we can stand our ground.

The next time you sit down to write, dress appropriately for the battle, Mighty Warrior!

A final word: Be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT

 

Uphill Journey

"But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill" Psalm 3:3-4 ESV.

I choose to run--not because I want to--because I need to. It's the most time- efficient way I've found to burn calories.
 

I live in the Piedmont Region of the Carolinas. Rock Hill is my current home, so my course involves inclines.
 

As I ran up that long hill in my neighborhood for the fourth time, I considered stopping. It was hard. My mantra has always been "three miles or it doesn't count." Recently most of my runs fell short. I wanted this one to count, so I continued.
 

I set my sights on the summit. The tree-topped hills were beautiful. Tiered to display their array, set against a brilliant blue backdrop, the trees flaunted their flaming foliage. I was tempted to just park myself at the bottom and gaze up at them. However, few calories get burned when I rest on my haunches.
 

I thought about my current journey with God. It's pretty much uphill these days. I've lived in three different states in three years. In the midst of the moves, I cared for my husband through surgeries and cancer treatments, welcomed children back into my once empty nest, and bid farewell to my earthly father.
 

Some days I'm tempted to quit.
 

It occurred to me the same principle of choice applies in my spiritual journey. I can be content to gaze upward, or accept God's invitation to journey with Him. I don't want to settle for gazing at Him. I want to be with Him. I decided to continue to travel this road--even when it's uphill--because He travels with me.

 

So I stood and started taking steps.

 

It is during our uphill journeys that our eyes naturally incline toward heaven.