FALLING INTO SEPTEMBER

Knee-high pine trees don't make much noise as the early September wind blows across our property, but the almost-harvestable corn surrounding us sings a song all its own. The ears, heavy with colorful kernals, will soon be spit with Gatling gun rapidity into waiting grain trucks. Last week we went to a high school football game (our team lost) and enjoyed hearing the telltale snare drums and trumpets of two talented high school bands. Mark's back driving the school bus--or trying to with all the ongoing road construction in Sylvania. I just signed two writing contracts with Barbour Publishing and anticipate the start-up of Tuesdays at the Chapel. But I'm not ready to let go of summer yet. We can hold onto the familiar. "I will remember the deeds of the LORD," declares the psalmist, "Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago" (Psalm 77:11). We can anticipate what lies ahead. "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:18). The LORD God is behind us, before us, and ever with us. He is, as a friend of ours says, "not only everywhere, but everywhen." No matter what's behind. No matter what's ahead. Jesus Christ is. 9-3-10