God Delights in You

And introducing a new feature: Book Briefs!

The green beans are in blossom, the garlic appears to be flourishing, and it looks as if our experimental dahlias might actually amount to something this year. We’ll see…
Summer in July offers an abundance of reasons to be joyful. Having said that, I’m looking at a calendar that has included hospice appointments with a friend suffering from Stage 4 cancer. Like you, I’m wondering about the health of our country and weary of election drama.

The verses that continue to sustain me are the same ones I repeat out loud in the car during the school year as I turn the key in the ignition and prepare myself for a day of substitute teaching:

2 Corinthians 4

v. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart.
Paul’s “therefore” had nothing to do with his circumstances and everything to do with the resurrection of Christ and his deep roots in Gospel hope. Where are your roots?

Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
While it’s absolutely true that aging is not for the faint of heart, it is also true that God has provided every resource for us to flourish in our spirit because of our hope in Christ. Are you flourishing?

v. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory
I’m rereading C.S. Lewis’s essay “The Weight of Glory,” in which he describes the glory in this way: “To be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or father in a son—it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is.” Are you aware that God delights in you?

v. 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Look at the past. You’ll be regretful.
Look around you. You’ll be overwhelmed.
Look at the future. You’ll be anxious.
Then, with eyes of faith, look at the unseen, the eternal, and you’ll find peace.

A New Feature Here: Book Briefs

I am in the habit of reviewing a book every week on my blog, but I rarely share those reviews here, simply because this is a letter to friends. It occurs to me, though, that a short snippet about the month’s reading might be fun and helpful, so here goes with the first edition of Book Briefs. I’d love your feedback, so be sure to weigh in via the poll at the end of the letter. Or just leave a comment if you’d rather.

Speaking Schedule

A big welcome to new subscribers who found their way here via the Art & Joy of Words weekend! What a privilege it was to meet with a group of Maine writers!

I’m free to garden and enjoy my family here on the hill in July, but I’ll be studying in preparation for a busy August.
On August 10, I’ll be in Casselberry, Florida at Metro Life Church, and on August 17 here in Maine at East Auburn Baptist Church.

Feel free to forward this letter to a friend who might love the conversation and resources!

Holding You in the Light,

P.S. If you received this letter from a friend, be sure to hit the subscribe button so we can continue to stay in touch!