Addendum

In my post this morning, I mentioned about not getting help. This has been the case in the past, at school and at work. I want to revise this. Recently, God has placed some amazing people in my life, that do whatever they can to help. I do not want to disregard them, or deny God's great provision. I have some terrific friends, a lovely church family, and my own family that do as much as they can to help whenever it is needed .

I have been deeply blessed with a tremendous church family, who truly demonstrate God's love and act as His hands and feet. We are a mismatched, rag-tag lot held together by a common love of Jesus. We are far from perfect - we all have vices, flaws, sins, and hang-ups. We are traveling together down this road of life, helping each other where we can, sharpening each other in the love of Christ. We make many mistakes, both on our own and to each other. We ask forgiveness, give it, and move on. 

If you have never experienced this, I am sorry. It is a shame that not every church is like this. I have been in those as well. Unfortunately, not all church members are really followers of Christ. This makes a huge difference. When you are surrounded by true authentic followers of Christ, it is an amazing, unbelievable group of people. 

If you have ever read Pilgrim's Progress, you know that Christian travels from the City of Destruction to the Heavenly City. Along the way, he meets several people, many who become friends. They don't all travel the entire distance with him, and many are fake. This is the truth of the Christian walk. There are many times I have seen those who are not truly authentic followers, and they cause others to stumble. At times, I have been one of those as well. In all honesty, most Christians have. It's a sad truth, but we are all human and make mistakes (mistakes = sin, in case there was any doubt. In an effort to be real, I want to be clear about that. I sinned. There - I said it). 

If I have offended you, that was not my intention. If you feel called out, that was also not my intention. If you don't have this kind of community, but want one, let me help. If you are local to me, please message me and we'll meet up. If not, we can still connect and I would be glad to help find this type of family near you.

Sick

Just when you start to get back on track, something happens. This past week I got sick. It wasn't just a cold or sinus issue, like I normally have during the changing seasons. This came like a bulldozer. I had a "mild" case of pneumonia, called "walking pneumonia". It has really knocked me for a loop. It has taken more out of me than expected. I could push through a lot of this, but I just don't have the wherewithal to do that. There was a time when I would, but this isn't it. Perhaps it's selfishness on my part. I will admit that I am getting a bit selfish, because I do a lot for others and when I need help the most, hardly ever get it. I have been "strong, able-bodied, and independent" so much that now when I ask for help, my request is ignored or pushed aside. Does that sound like whining? It's not meant to be. 

I have been slowly getting back into the swing of things, but I have also been taking more time for myself. I started reading - I wasn't able to read much this summer, so I am making up for lost time. This summer was much faster than I expected, and not a real break like I hoped. Barreling down life at breakneck speed isn't for everyone. And everyone needs a break now and again. I hope that this short break will help me get back on top of things. 

Finished books:

Christy by Catherine Marshall - this is a book I read ages ago, but the book club my daughter was in read it in August. I am keeping up with their booklist, as it's beautiful this year, and I could use the beauty. If you haven't read this one, I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful story of a young woman, full of ideals, who goes to teach in the Appalachian mountains in Tennessee. While fictionalized, it is based on a true story. I marked several places to put into my common place book, once I start that again (I am really behind on that one). 

Shadow of Betrayal by Michael Webb - I went to high school with Michael, so I know the author, which could lead you to believe that I am biased. I will say that although I may be, I try to be objective when reading and truly evaluate the story on its own merits. I have read just about everything Michael has written, and I have passed them on to my son. I don't hand my 16 year old junk books! Michael's books are solid, well crafted stories. He's a native Georgian, so if you want to read a local author, grab one! His books are fantastic fantasy, classified as Young Adult fantasy, but I have never been bored with them. I honestly don't read a TON of fantasy - fiction, yes, but not usually fantasy - but I love his series. 

Picking back up and starting:

Awaking Wonder by Sally Clarkson - this was supposed to be a Mother's book club book, but it got pushed aside (the book club, not the book). I was reading it before and I got distracted with other books, as normal for me, and I am back at it. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner - this is my daughter's book club September selection. I had seen it and wanted to read it, so I am picking it up now.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie - this is the October selection for her book club. I love Agatha Christie books. I have wanted to read more of them, but never picked them up. Until now. I have introduced my son to her writing with And Then There Were None and he loved it.