CHANCE OR CHOICE

This week, I celebrated my birthday. Suffice it to say I’m way past 39 and still more than a stone’s throw from an octogenarian. Still, it’s a pretty safe bet that I’ve lived more years than I have ahead of me. I’m at that point in my life where I reflect on past accomplishments and still strive to achieve unrealized dreams.

My husband and I spent a couple of days away in one of our favorite places, Cripple Creek. It is one of the gaming towns in Colorado. I know there are those who frown on gambling and I respect their view, but I have to admit that once a year or so, I become an avid gambler.

It is exciting to watch the slot machines spin, waiting to see how the combinations will line up on the pay line. I consider it a form of entertainment, so win or lose, I have a good time.

I like to observe others around me and see how they handle wins or losses. Some people pound on the spin button as though their whole future depended on the outcome. Others play two or three machines at a time. There are those who play the same machine for hours, only to walk away and have someone else take their place and hit a big payoff with just a few coins.

Gambling is all a matter of chance.

Life can be a gamble, but we have far more control over the payoff than we do when we play a slot machine. The paths we follow are determined by choices.
As I look back on the past years of my life, I feel blessed to have made some right choices. It took me a long time to do it, but I finally quit smoking. (Ten years smoke-free this November!) I chose a loving husband who gave me two wonderful children, one of which presented us with an adorable granddaughter. I chose a noble profession. I chose a solid church with an enthusiastic pastor who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. A long time ago I chose to accept Jesus as my savior.

No, I didn’t win in Cripple Creek on my birthday, but I’m rich in so many ways that it really doesn’t matter.

I love to play games of chance – but I’m grateful for the opportunity to make choices.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Review of A Lever Long Enough by Amy Deardon

Time travel has always been a concept that fascinates me. The idea of living in the past, the good old days, has sounded appealing on more than one occasion.

Amy Deardon’s book, A Lever Long Enough, incorporates the use of time travel with enough scientific knowledge, technology, and historical fact to make the reader imagine it could really happen. However, the main theme of the story is the mission of the time travelers, a military team sent to film the theft of Jesus body from the grave, thereby disproving the resurrection story and destroying the faith basis for “followers of the way”.

For a crucial period of 72 hours, the four team members must adapt to a culture of long ago while concealing the technology at their disposal in order to survive and accomplish their goal. Ben Feinan, captain of the team, faces the challenges of command while struggling with his feelings for Sara, who he has reason to believe might be a traitor to their mission. Meanwhile, in the present, a ruthless saboteur raises havoc on the Israeli military base.

Amy Deardon guides the reader skillfully through a maze of past and present, melding the two in a tale packed with suspense, adventure, romance, and intrigue. The well-developed characters enrich the fast-paced, action-packed plot of this superbly written novel.

The story reflects the author’s scientific knowledge as well as the doubts and questions she herself has faced about the Christian faith. The movement of the characters in ancient Jerusalem is well researched and depicts the culture of the time period. A compelling sequence of events keeps the reader turning pages and leads to a dramatic ending that poses more questions.

Will this author follow her debut novel with an equally satisfying sequel? I hope so!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Keeping in Touch

Our son and daughter-in-law are currently in China on a guided tour that includes a view of the upcoming solar eclipse. We’re excited for them as they take advantage of this opportunity, but to know they are on the other side of the world is a bit scary

They were in contact with us via email for the first few days. Each day, Jason gave us a little synopsis of the trip so far, what they had seen and learned. In the last message, he reported that they were moving to another city might not have Internet access. We’ve not heard from him for a couple of days and probably won’t until they return to the states.

The inability to communicate is disturbing. Text messages and emails go unanswered and probably unread. It makes me wonder how God feels when we stop communicating with Him. Unlike our traveling kids who are prevented from getting in touch because of technology, we have the capability to keep in touch with God at all times. Yet it is so easy to forget that He is patiently waiting for a “message” from us.

Even though God knows what is going on with us, our every move and thought, He still longs to hear His children talk to Him, whether through prayer, praise, or worship. It must grieve His heart to see us enjoy the blessings He offers and shoulder the burdens life brings without taking the time to stop and thank Him or look to Him for comfort and guidance.

Think about how you feel when you don’t hear from your children. Then take a moment to communicate with your Heavenly Father. Keep in touch!

Thanks for reading my blog.