Disengaged is moving right along, so I’m cautiously optimistic that it’ll be complete soon. Rob and Samantha just finished a particularly intense part of their story, and I think we’re all glad to have a moment’s break. A fast-paced, suspenseful, action-packed series of events is about to begin, and I need to catch my breath before it does. I almost feel like I’m preparing for a marathon that requires sitting quietly, breathing, mentally preparing, and no physical conditioning, whatsoever.

School starts back again Monday, and Brad starts working from work, instead of working from home. Once again, I’m anxiously anticipating several hours of uninterrupted writing time, five days out of the week. I’d like to not thank Hurricane Harvey for messing that all up the first time, not to mention what it did to Houston. I love, love, love my church home, though. It is awesome, because of the people who are a part of it, and the God we serve. He is very present here, working through the hands and feet of those who love Him, and therefore love others. I’m not just talking my church home, either. All the churches in Katy work together, and amazing things are happening.

Em was telling me people online (not at church) are prophesying that the end times are here, God’s withdrawing from America, solar eclipses, and hurricanes, and fires, etc. I suggested she take what she reads with a grain of salt. Solar eclipses are not rare. It was unusual that this one spanned the entire US, which was very nice, that lots of people got to see it. Just because those of us here in Texas (my part, anyway), couldn’t view it, didn’t mean there wasn’t one. The same for so many other eclipses that occur regularly, and yet are not within view of the US. I copied this over from space.com, “It is a popular misconception that the phenomenon of a total eclipse of the sun is a rare occurrence. Quite the contrary. Approximately once every 18 months (on average) a total solar eclipse is visible from some place on the Earth’s surface. That’s two totalities for every three years.”  Hurricanes aren’t rare, either. Nor are fires. We are living in the end times, and have been, since Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Prophesy, in Revelation for example, should leave us with the comfort that–Jesus is coming. Whatever happens in the meantime, it’ll all be worth it. So live today, live every day, as if it’s the last, because someday (when it’s least expected, don’t forget that part) it will be. Don’t wait to come to Jesus, or come half-heartedly, and then wait to seek sanctification, until “signs” make it sound like maybe that’s His footstep outside the door. The truth is, that is His footstep outside the door! And maybe He’s ready to peel back the sky or not, but as believers we should be motivated by His love for us, and our love for Him. Not like the unwise people who waited until the last minute, then raced around in a panic, trying to bum oil off others for their lamps, because they weren’t ready when the bridegroom came. Show some respect for the bridegroom, and the relationship. Be ready. Then have peace, regardless of circumstance.

Having said that, I found that peace elusive, when Em’s cat, Pandy, became sick and almost died, recently. I was stunned when I caught myself praying not only that God would spare her, but that whatever good He might intend as a result of not saving her, I didn’t want! I just wanted her to be okay. I did stop when I prayed that, and was amazed that I had done so. I thought I trusted Him completely, and here I was doubting. I had to repent of that. I’ve had much bigger things in life I trusted Him with, and that would include the several near-death experiences Brad has had. The man has been through a lot, and so have we. It’s not that I love the cat more, but for some reason that I can’t quite fathom, I find it easier to trust Him with the big things in life. That experience, sitting in the vet’s office praying, was a reminder that until Jesus returns, I am a work-in-progress.

I’m thankful God’s plan included sparing both Brad, and Pandy. In spite of my failure in some regards, I’m thankful every day, and appreciate who I have while I still have them, instead of pre-grieving and losing out on each moment as it comes. And maybe, I’d like to hope anyway, the next thing that threatens what matters to me, both big and small, I will not find myself bargaining with God, or insisting that my version of good is preferable to His. That’s the plan. To have peace in all circumstances, the peace that only total trust in God can provide.

Mental break over. My subconscious mind has sorted out all things Disengaged related, and it’s time for me to get back to work!

Until next time, happy reading!