In 1972, rock band Steely Dan warned us then-tender teens about the everlasting summer that we knew was fading fast. I would quote more and more accurately, but copyright laws on song lyrics prohibit it. I recently learned about those strict laws. Even a little blogger like me cannot break them. But I sensed then that the “everlasting summer” was more than our summer break. Now that I am in the late fall of my life, it makes more sense.
We’ve all been warned that life is brief. Surely King David understood this better than Steely Dan. In Psalms 39:4-8 he laments:
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
What do we do with the brief nature of life? I know I don’t have time to waste.
I turned sixty-eight on my last birthday. To simply say I “turned” sixty-eight isn’t an accurate description of the ambush of time. The years now spin like numbers on a roulette wheel. I often feel like there isn’t time to do all the things I once thought I would have accomplished by this age.
I’ve known too many who have lost loved ones lately. Soon I may know more on the “other side” than on this side of the veil.
But I am still here. I am instructed to occupy until Jesus returns, or until I return to him. Either way, I’ll be ready to go. But until then, I cannot give up while God has still given me talents to use and stories to tell.
I recently arrived in Florida for three months. It appears I am moving toward becoming a snowbird, again exposing my advanced years. My husband, Bruce drove me down and flew back to West Virginia yesterday. He wants to enjoy the same snow I want to escape. He will return when the snow season ebbs. I never imagined that we would spend a quarter of the year apart after almost 46 years of marriage, but daily communication, the rapid passage of time, and each of us being in an environment we love make the temporary separation work for us.
This winter while alone and undestracted, I have set some goals for myself. I have never been an organized person, but feeling the years of my life are spinning faster and faster, I must begin somewhere. God has gifted me, as He has everyone, with unique talents. I am feeling a responsibility lately to use them. Being alone without distractions is a start to finding myself again.
To accomplish some of my goals, I brought my set of paints and canvases, unused for too long. I have sunsets and palm trees right outside my doors, and orchids nestled in nearby trees awaiting my interpretations of nature’s beauty. I brought polymer clay to sculpt the little faces, hands, and feet I once enjoyed creating. I brought books because, since “smart phones” have made me dumber, I haven’t read as much, thus I haven’t learned as much. I have neglected to write on my blog. Thoughts come and they echo in my head. I intend to type them into my blog, but I wait until the important points have faded and seem insignificant. And last, and most important to me, I must complete my book, and create a cover and all the tedious details I don’t enjoy that will be required to transform a manuscript into a book. The least favorite part of my mandatory tasks will be the self-promoting part. I will be challenged by my shortcomings. But God understood my personality and shortcomings before He gave me certain talents and a story so important I had no choice but to share it. I will dedicate my fast months in the sun to walking and praying, painting and sculpting, reading, and asking God to use me as I use some of the talents He gave me so long ago.
A young friend who thinks I might have accrued some wisdom in all these decades of life recently asked me for some advice for 2024. It made me think. What advice do I need to take from myself? Try new things, I finally suggested to her. Or dive deeper into the gifts already evident.
I’ve exposed my heart and desires so that I might hold myself accountable. I challenge readers to get to those activities and hobbies they sense God has invited them to, or assigned to them. I’ll share photos and updates on my attempts at success, and I vow to maintain my blog. I began writing my blog in 2012 to update readers on Roma’s activities. With a sequel to But the Greatest of These is Love on the horizon, there will sadly be no updates on my sweet Roma, but I want to be connected to readers. I’ve taken a long enough break. I pray I will always have more to say.
As I finished this draft of a long-overdue blog post, I got a note from my publisher. Good news–my final edits are complete on my next book. Spell Roma Backwards is moving toward publication. My editor called it a “beautiful story.” I agree. It has been the love and encouragement of family, friends, and readers that have kept me on task, if not always on time. It was a long arduous process, because “wrapping up” Roma’s story was gut-wrenching at times, but always worth the effort.
Some progress to share about my goals since I arrived in Florida on January 15th:
I completed this blog post. I finished one book, Overflowing Faith, a recommendation by my trusted friend, Bettie. I have sculpted two feet for what I hope will be the first of many angels, signing “I love you.” The sculptures I created twenty years ago were suddenly a hit with friends, reminding me that sculpting is also a God-given gift to me, regardless of what others might have said decades ago. I’m thankful sculpting came back to me, like riding a bike. I have forgiven my college professor who gave me as a senior an F in sculpture, but as you can tell, I have not forgotten.
Having some goals and working to accomplish them makes me feel younger already.
Consider it all JOY 
You’ve brought tears to my eyes dear and trusted friend. Wasn’t Lettie’s story of obedience to God inspiring? I am also working on finishing some projects with a blog post being edited about it this week. I’m so grateful that He weaves our paths together while we are still here “occupying!”
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Yes I was so inspired by Lettie’s total surrender. Her heart for the Far East and all those seeds planted a century ago surely have had an harvest effect on so many underground churches today. The book really emphasized God’s patience and forethought on His long term plan of redemption.
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Dear Debbie,
Thanks for your inspiring blog! I know the feeling of the years spinning away faster and faster. There’s so much I still want to do! And I am ten years older! Your blog is a great inspiration! (I’m in touch with Michelle Ule through her blog and that book.) Your angel feet and hands are so cute. Are the angels in the other picture ones you made earlier? The one sitting reminds me of the daughter of friends. (The daughter is in her early fifties!)
I need to follow your example at least with my writing! I have saved watercolors for years. I should have enough time on my hands.
Rich blessings with your creativity!
Love
Lisa
Lisa Enqvist http://lisaenqvist.blogspot.fi/For a purpose http://lisaenqvist.blogspot.fi/
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Lisa, I thought of you as I read the book, when she mentioned Finland. I’ll write more about the book later, and the value and necessity of total surrender. What Lettie did in her obedience is reaping a harvest today.
My captions did not appear on my published blog. Maybe a change in WordPress since I write my last blog post over a years ago? The little angels and Santa head were completed 20+ years ago— how can that be? When Roma came, there was no time for sculptures. He’s was so busy with activities. I’m thankful he had my undivided attention. Then my first book almost wrote itself. Then the second. I’ll see where God leads as I work on my “surrender” to Him.
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That Finnish couple mentioned in Michelle Ule’s book had an amazing story too! I sent a few glimpses of their life to Michelle. Their story will come in Michelle’s blog soon.
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I’ll have to find Michelle’s blog. You are a wealth on information, Lisa. Aren’t you glad you wrote down so much ?
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Debbie, I’m overjoyed to read a blog post this morning! Your writing is so good, I feel like we are in person just visiting. Enjoy your winter escape – you are blessed! Although I’d be in the mountains with the snow! Your God given talent is so evident those feet are so real-like! I’m excited to see what you accomplish in a few short months. Keep the blog posts coming friend.
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Thanks, Kim. You’ve always been a source of encouragement, ever since that little Russian boy showed up in your driveway to introduce himself to his new neighbors before I did. You invited me to my first talk to your women’s group which gave me courage for the next one.
I’ve appreciated your enthusiastic encouragement so much. When I didn’t think I could document any more painful episodes, I would remember your words, “I can’t get enough of this story,” and I would keep writing, because someone was still reading.
Thank you!
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And, I am so excited about the publication of your 2nd book! Praise God for His making a way for it to be shared. I look forward to reading it.
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Now comes the foreign parts “about the writer.” That doesn’t flow as easily. Please pray something comes, because I have a lot of blank forms in front of me.😊
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Oh! It’s the rest of those blank pages we prayed about years ago! God will fill them in. I’m praying so much for you in this process too! ❤️🙏❤️
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It’s technical stuff about “my brand” and accolades. I’ve got nothing. So far. But the book won’t move forward until I fill in some blanks. I so appreciate your prayers. I did meet a new friend who I told a little about my story. She is ordering the first book and said she can help with some speaking engagements down here in Florida. I already feel God is making a way!
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I love those little feet!!! Those angels are precious! I’m so glad you’re getting back to sculpting and writing! I look forward to your new book…
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Thank you! You lived so much of the story with me. And you’ve always been a friend and an encourager!
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Loved this, Deb! Save a copy of your book for me, please! Enjoy FL and your many gifts.
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Thanks, Julie. Will do. Even you, my “much younger” friend, are starting to understand that time passes too fast! Apparently life was made that way!
😘
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SO much younger! Yes! I get it!
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So fun to rediscover your blog, after a blogging hiatus. I deleted all my subscriptions for a while there, choosing to seek Jesus in the quiet. It has borne fruit … but now I am also so thankful to be able to read along here. I love that I can always hear your voice resounding through your writing. That’s why I so loved your first book – the very first thing I read of you. So authentic. So pure Jesus in you shining through. Have missed you! And can I say: praise Jesus for the edits completed!!! And oh how I love the title you’ve chosen. Amor! Love Himself.
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Dear Anna! Thanks for welcoming me back. I’ve taken a break for too long. You’ve always been a source of encouragement since that evening 9-10 years I finally got a comment on my recently launched blog. And it was from a stranger from a foreign land! I was stunned and so excited. A lot has happened since then. You have cheered me on, laughed and cried with me. I might not meet you in person until Heaven, but you have been my friend from the beginning, and I am so grateful! . 😊
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Hard to believe it’s been so long! But it really has, hasn’t it?! I was recently reflecting on my call to writing (through a course by PraiseWriters – a Catholic writing community) and it came in a resoundingly clear way, as you and I wrote that Miracles series together, sharing others’ testimonies and our own together, as I flew to Burtigny and still hear your words ringing in my ears: “that’s a lie from the devil’s pit, you belong there too”, as I questioned my place at the table next to such seasoned believers and writers. You too have cheered me on, laughed and cried with me and oh how thankful to God I will always be that He answered my Mama’s prayers – sending me so many mothers the world over to cover me and shower me in His love. Thank you for being one of my many spiritual Mamas (alongside Bettie, Gayl, Lisa E. and more whom you know also). Love ya! May God continue to receive the reward of His suffering through you! And may it reap a resounding joy in you and all those who know and love you and Roma.
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I love how God goes before us and knits us together. I’m thankful the Holy Spirit planted words in your heart that I hardly remember saying. I love how He uses us for His Glory. And for our joy.
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Oh and I so longed to tell you: I’ve joined PraiseWriters – a Catholic Writing community- you would so love it too: https://www.writethesewords.com/ It is bearing so much fruit already. The Lord knows just what we need to be obedient to His calling on our life.
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