Lightning struck the house. Well, the bolt actually hit a tree next to the house, but it went to ground and fried all electronics not surge protected (use those surge suppressors, they work!). As the week progressed, more items lengthened the “all-lost” list—including heating/air-conditioning units. Let me tell you, it added up fast. 

Without much rehashing, I’m just going to vouch that it’s been a stormy season for this family, and I wonder when, when will things stabilize again. . . .  In a very human moment I whined, “God, why are you knocking us down at every turn?” As I asked this while outside, surmising the strike zone, something dawned on me. The second highest level to that towering tree was the peak to my son’s bedroom. Suddenly, I had a different outlook - one of protection and gratitude.

It’s all about perspective, because no matter how bad things get it could always be worse. You know what they say . . . “When down in the mouth, remember Jonah. He came out all right!”

Two steps forward, three steps back.
Two steps forward, two steps back.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Two steps forward.

THE UNFORGIVABLE is on the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Bookclub poll for their July 2012 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller reading choice. It’s one of ten titles nominated. So if you’re one of the 1600+ members who would like to vote for my novel, the poll is up until March 17th. Here is the link to take you there. And, THANK YOU!!!  : ) 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub/surveys?id=2412941

My parents who were professionals in the musical arts anticipated I’d follow in their footsteps, as did those in their circle, which I did. But there were others who thought I’d become a veterinarian because of my propensity to nurture animals.
 
Those affections haven’t changed much, even though I have far fewer pets in my care, one dog and one cat, than I ever have. It’s a far cry from, say, my ranch days in New Mexico where I was surrounded by horses and goats and bears—oh my! I love animals, and I often wonder what it must have been like for the first man, Adam, in a primary duty while abiding in Eden. God gave him the honorable charge of naming His creatures.

While my energetic dog is ever in my face for a pat or play, my cat insists on curling up undisturbed at my feet. One trying afternoon, I fell back exhausted, relishing the idea of a much needed nap. Uncharacteristically, my dog settled down at my feet whereas my cat curled up near my shoulder and produced his lavish purr, lulling me into a contented slumber. Animals sense more than they’re often given credit. They are a gift, a tote of tenderness.