I tell everyone my favorite season is summer and it is. There is nothing like it in my eyes until we begin the transition into a new season. The slow slide of one season into the next is a gift to behold every single time. We see the beauty of the previous season give a nod to the upcoming one. I notice this in the display of colors that mark each season.
September was filled with family time, celebrating my daughter-in-law’s birthday, Jack and Mimi days, lots of walking, reading, and of course, writing. God blessed every minute and showed me how living in the present keeps us centered on Him. I love sharing the lessons that each month teaches, so follow along to see what’s new.
Something Learned in September
God has a way of repeating lessons that we need to learn. I am an anxious person by nature and can let my mind wander to places that leave me more anxious. It’s as if the idea is in my mind so it must be true. Has that ever happened to you? After several unsuspecting rabbit trails and nights where I turn on worship music in order to fall asleep, I could hear God saying, “Trust me.”
I tell my kids all the time that God’s timing is perfect, but forget that the same applies to me too. I share with friends and family members that they need to trust God and find myself needing the lesson even more than they do. God is always faithful, always on time, and more patient than I have ever been. He is our Life-Giver, Promise-Keeper, Grace-Bearer, and Loving Father.
Something Loved
I captured lots of beauty in September on my walks. One of my favorites was a day last week when I captured the sunrise. Check out the photos.
My other love was Jack and Mimi days. How could you not love that face??
Something Read in September (A Book Review)
Reading feeds my soul. I talked about this last week on Instagram and also announced my new book, The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living, coming in November. I love to read but the other side of reading is writing and there is a member of our community who wrote a book this year that I want to tell you more about.
Debbie W. Wilson wrote Little Faith Big God: Grace to Grow When Your Faith Feels Small and graciously sent me a copy for me to read and review. The title alone draws me in and feels like the perfect description of me and my life. It is a “But God” moment and I haven’t even told you anything about the book.
Debbie takes the stories of the believers named in Hebrews 11 and dives deep to help the reader understand God’s call on their lives, the challenges they faced, and the faith they lived out. She formatted the book into an eight-week layout with five days of reading and questions for each week. The book is rich in content, history, and a way for the reader to go further with each of the well-thought-out questions at the end of each day.
One of the quotes that stopped me in my tracks was at the beginning of the book. She writes:
Little faith in a big God blossoms into courage to sustain us through every trial and setback.
God takes our small faith and uses it for His kingdom by giving us the courage we need to do His work. How does that make you feel?
More About the Book
Ms. Wilson takes the reader through the stories of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, the Patriarchs, and Samson. I was especially taken with Abraham. I relate to Abraham and find his story is one that feels connected to my own.
Here are some of my takeaways.
- Abraham stayed focused on God, whom he called “friend.” He didn’t waste time worrying where God was leading him but stayed the course.
- “Faith journeys often include small beginnings with unknown endings. What would Abraham have missed if he’d stayed planted until God answered all his questions? What will you and I miss if we delay obedience until sight replaces faith? Faith gave Abraham assurance of what he could not see. It will do the same for you and me.”
- Abraham wasn’t perfect. The difference between me and him is the obedience he modeled to follow God’s call. I lack the consistency of Abraham but I continue to grow in faith with each “yes.”
- Abraham was overwhelmed just like us. God knew this but also saw his determination as he lived out his life in a foreign land.
- “Faith is not desperate. It doesn’t rush God in order to relieve my doubts.” Abraham and Sarah wanted children but God waited until they were in old age to give them their son, Isaac.
Debbie Wilson shares wisdom, her own faith, and God’s Word to help her readers grow in their own faith. Get your copy of the book HERE.
It's time to say "goodbye" to September and welcome October. Join me for my monthly musings and some fun news about my new book, #TheAdventNarrative. #newpost #TellHisStory #linkup Click To TweetSomething Ahead
I announced that I have a new book coming out in November. These last few months have gone by quickly and the book will be here before you know it. I did an IGTV on Instagram last week and shared more about the book and what you can expect. Check it out here.
What’s next for my book and how can you help?
The book launches on November 10 on Amazon. Before that date, you are invited to join the launch team to share the word about my book. Your help and your voice is important in the launch of a book. When you share with your people, the news goes farther and wider. Be on the lookout for a signup for the launch team coming October 14. You all are my people and I would be honored to have you walk alongside me as we share together about Advent and becoming an Advent people right here and right now.
If you don’t already follow me on Facebook and Instagram, click HERE and HERE, so you don’t miss out on any of the news. By subscribing to the blog, you will also stay up-to-date.
Finally, and most importantly, please pray that the final details fall into place. Pray for the right people to hear and receive this message. God is so good and has blessed me abundantly with these words that are now ready to soar.
Blessings on your week!
Oh but that Jack is too cute!! Just love your photos…and your walk pictures inspire me to get walking myself. (Almost persuaded….) And…surely if I can imagine and completely think through a (worst case) scenario, it must be happening. Right?? 🙂 Great post!!
Jack is my favorite. He brings me so much joy. I love walking and taking pictures. It also brings me joy. It has helped me especially during all of the quarantine months. As for how our mind leads us astray, it’s a good thing we have God and His truth.
I could eat that grandson of yours up!
I get that! He is too cute!!
September is a beautiful month…love the photos! Congrats on the upcoming book!
September begins that transition from summer to fall that I love so much. Thank you for cheering me on with my new book.
Oh I can totally relate to that nighttime anxiety you spoke about. It has actually gotten worse ever since we had a small family of mice in the attic and I had to listen to them at night until they were gone. So now even though they are no longer up there I STILL lay in bed at night…tv on, fan on…and can’t go to sleep. And then I pray my bedtime Shema (its something I do every night as part of my daily prayers) after everyone else is asleep and it is like putting everything into His hands every night. But until that point…I would be up all night!
I’m glad to know I am not alone in this but I am praying you find nighttime peace in the presence of the Father. Thank you for being here and blessings!
What a refreshing September – I’ve always said I define a day by the best five minutes – and you have defined yours with some pretty sweet bests! The book review sounds intriguing – and your book sounds so encouraging and real! Looking forward to reading it! There is nothing so fulfilling as when God gives us something to complete! Shalom!! ~ Maryleigh
I love having you here, Maryleigh. I think defining our day by the best five minutes is a great perspective. I am looking forward to hearing what you think about my book. Blessings!
How exciting Mary to have your new book coming out soon! Your photos are lovely, time with our grandchildren is so very precious.
And God has a theme going, you may enjoy my post;
Feeling Crabby?
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2020/09/25/feeling-crabby/
Bless you,
Jennifer
Apologies Mary for doubling up, I forgot about CommentLuv, a Fibro fog moment!
No worries! 🙂
Thank you for leaving such wonderful encouragement. I agree that time with grandchildren is the best. Blessings and hugs.
Mary, these four somethings posts are so fun, aren’t they? So much good stuff here … the part about God repeating the lessons resonates, as well as what you said about needing to remind yourself of the truths you share with your loved ones! Your Facebook book cover is beautiful … I am looking forward to learning more about it.
I love writing the end of the month posts. It’s good to reflect on what was to move forward into what will be. It sounds like you understand how it is easier to share truths with others but have a harder time knowing them for yourself. I’m glad I am not alone. I can’t wait to share more about my book.
What do I do to help promote your book?
Hi Susan! I hope you will join the launch team. It would really bless me.
I love that you enjoyed your time with Jack this month – he is growing so fast! And well done on your book. I’ll look forward to it – it will be Advent before we know it!
Jack is changing daily and it is a joy to watch and really enjoy. Yes, Advent will be here soon.
Congratulations on your new book, Mary! My prayers join yours for God to bless those words and send them out to the ones who need them. And such joy to see your precious Jack and Mimi days! Blessings, dear friend.
Thank you, Bettie! I appreciate the prayers and they are felt. I know how much you enjoy your days with your grandchildren, too. Blessings to you too.
“Mimi days” are the best! Your grandson is adorable! I must admit, Mary, my mind tends to go down rabbit holes too. I finally remember to trust God, which is like throwing the worry switch to “off”. Until the next time I start to worry in the middle of the night. Good luck with your new book. The cover is beautiful!
I am glad I am not alone when it comes to worrying. Nighttime is when it ramps up but God reminds me that He is still there. I am praying we both can turn the worry switch to “off” more often and let God do what He does best.
Mary, I love fall! I feel better when the air turns crisp and the anticipation of holidays and family gathers builds. Thank you for sharing my book today. So excited about yours!! And love the photos!
I’m honored I was able to read and share about your book. Your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads are coming. Fall is a beautiful season and one that truly lights up all of our senses.
Praying for your book, sweet friend! That Facebook cover is lovely (swoon!) and I can’t wait to see all the good things God has in store. He is always faithful and on time indeed!
I appreciate the prayers. I am in love with the Facebook cover. It was designed by Kaitlyn Bouchillon. God’s timing is always perfect and He is faithful in all seasons.
Congratulations on getting closer to the release date of your book! My writing group put an anthology together recently (I contributed photos) and it was quite the process! I always enjoyed your blogging on Advent and look forward to the expanded version of your writing with a full book!
Congratulations to you, too!!! I can imagine how stunning your book is because of your photos. Advent is truly my favorite season so I am thrilled to share this offering with everyone.
Woot! Woot! Congratulations on your book baby! Keep me posted on the launch team! Jack is adorable, I’m so happy you got to spend time with him! Pedro and I always joke that our favorite season is the one that’s coming.
Thank you so much!! It is an exciting time. I love how you and Pedro love whatever season is coming. Perfect answer!
We have a lot in common, Mary. Summer is my favorite season as well; I can let my mind go to anxious places; spending time with the grandkids has been my favorite parts of the summer. 🙂 Love the picture of Jack and Mimi. Y’all are adorable. I know you have wonderful times together.
How exciting that your book is about to come out! I will definitely stay tuned for it.
We do have a lot in common. I know you love your granddaughters. Time with them is the best, isn’ it? Thanks for staying tuned for my book.
November 10 is on my calendar! Looking forward to walking with you into a blesses Advent!
Jack is just such a cute little buddy for you. My older grandson is coming to make cookies and do a craft tomorrow with Bam… bliss!
I love that you are having a grandson and Bam day tomorrow. I can’t wait until Jack and I can bake and do crafts. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on my book.
Mary,
Jack and Mimi days look and sound awesome! I love his little apple cheeks…you just want to smooch them. Thanks for sharing about Debbie’s book and I look forward to your book being released. I am always looking for new ways to prepare my heart for His coming.
Blessings,
Bev xx
He has kissable and squeezable cheeks. Debbie’s book is a good one. I hope you will consider joining the launch team for mine.
That is a beautiful picture of the sunrise, you captured it really well. Jack and Mimi days sound like a lot of fun and your grandson is so cute 🙂 Thr Facebook cover for your book really is lovely – I’m sure it’ll all go well. Looking forward to it.
Fall sunrises seem to glow with greater brilliance. My favorite days are Jack and Mimi days. Thank you for being here and leaving some encouragement.
Your grandson is so cute! I’m so glad you had precious time with him. Congratulations on your book!
Thank you. I think so, too. I can’t wait for you and this community to read my book.
Mary, the book you shared by Debbie Wilson sounds like a really good one. And yours? Yes, please. Being an Advent people. I can’t wait to read your words on this. It looks like Jack and Mimi days must be a delight for both of you! And your photos? Just beautiful!
Debbie’s book will bless you. SHe is a beautiful writer. I’m so excited for my book and love that you are, too. Being Mimi is best. It’s hard to put into words.
Your Jack is growing so big and is quite precious! I also very much enjoyed Little Faith, Big God. I found it both fed my soul as it challenged my faith to grow. I’m looking forward to your Advent book.
Jack is big and lots of fun. I really enjoyed Little Faith, Big God, too. I hope you will join the launch team for my book. I would love to have you as part of the team.
The Advent narrative sounds interesting. I alway like to have a daily reading or a well…a narrative…for Advent.
Thank you! I love Advent and everything about it. Preparation, expectancy, and hope for the arrival of Jesus.