RENEWED ON THE ROAD: FINDING GOD IN THE PAUSE
Our Need to Recharge
After several weeks during which I worked until 10 pm most nights, Don and I felt the need to recharge and focus on each other.
After church and lunch with our little group on Sunday, we took off for San Luis Obispo. It was a glorious, clear day and the beauty around us was majestic. On one side of the highway, soft, lush green swept partway up the mountainsides, melding into the darker green of trees and shrubbery to the top. On the other side, farther from coastal breezes, the hills weren’t as green or full of greenery.
How Majestic is Your Name!
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic [or excellent/great] is Your name in all the earth!”
—Psalm 8:1, 9 ESV
David wrote this psalm as a hymn of praise. He marveled at God’s majestic name, contrasting the vastness of His creation, the whole cosmos, with the special role He gives to humanity. He gave humans glory and honor to rule over creation, yet showed His tender care for even frail persons. And while He delights in our joy in relationship with Him, He is fully aware of our pain, suffering, disappointments, ongoing wars, famine, etc.
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle; are they not in your book?”
—Psalm 56:8 ESV
Drives are Great Talking Times
Driving is good talking time. We talked, laughed, sang along with the radio, listened to part of a book on tape, and enjoyed focusing on each other rather than all the “to-dos” at home. The three-hour drive flew by.
We wandered around a few blocks, going through “Gum Alley” (yes, that really is gum stuck all along the wall), and stopped in Kreuzberg to see many college students, intent on their laptops as they studied.
New Experiences
I’ve always wondered what the appeal of avocado toast was. I thought it was just toast and avocado. Not so! The avocado toast I ordered was amazing! Toast, avocado, tomatoes, sprouts, and balsamic vinegar. Now I know!
I noticed a request from my publisher, to which I needed to respond. Back in our lovely room in the heart of downtown, Don took a long nap while I worked. Very pleasant and still relaxing. That evening we went to the hotel’s restaurant and had the.best.Margherita.pizza I’ve ever tasted!
Before leaving for home, we walked from our hotel to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Hot, we headed into the cool church, where we experienced their noon Mass. Although not Catholic, I appreciated hearing their scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments, and their reference to Jesus Christ as our Savior.
From there, we headed home. I’m so grateful for God’s goodness in giving us these needed breaks, times away, focused times with each other.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
—James 1:17 NIV
Update on Out of Russia
I mentioned this in my last post, but I’m so excited. I’ve officially signed a contract with Redemption Press to publish my book!
This novel is a dream God placed in my heart—and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m excited to share my story and the message He’s given me, inspired by my father’s family escaping Ukraine in 1929.
Can’t wait to take you along as I invite you into a gripping story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith as a Mennonite family flees Soviet Ukraine during the rise of Stalin’s regime.
Stay tuned!
Fantastic.,Carol! Congrats.
Your day trip sounded great and relaxing
I am looking forward to reading your book.This is such a
Great accomplishment for you !
Fritz, what a meaningful comment. Thank you! You’ve cheered me on along the way, and our trip was wonderful. Love you.
Exciting news, Carol!!!! Your novel is so appropriate for the days we live in.
Although often biased, the News media has opened our eyes to Ukraine and the horrific things that have been happening there. We follow it only as much as we want, or can, which is often overshadowed by our daily life challenges and the many things that distract us. Perhaps now the ground has been tilled to plant the seeds of your salvation story? Seems like it.
I think The Lord has opened the door at this time for the world to read your novel to bring people to Christ.
I remember John Morris talking about his journeys to Mt. Ararat looking for the ark. He would always say “God is only going to reveal the ark in His timing, and it wasn’t his timing for their team to find it.” And look, 50 years later, He has revealed it. I think that’s the same with your novel. His timing. Another venue to show His Perfect, Patient, Unconditional Love to a lost and dying world before He returns. “He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
It makes me so excited for the world to be able to read your novel and find Lord Jesus Christ in it. You have been used by Him once again as a beacon light, Carol.
Congratulations!!
Love you dear sister ❤️
Suzie
Sue, thank you for your meaningful response. My heart’s prayer is that readers will see the faithfulness of God through this book, and be drawn to Him. I love you.
I’m so excited for you! Yes to the press!!!!
You and Don always find God moments in daily life! Thanks for sharing your reminders.
Thanks dear Ruth!
I love our road trips, and that drive to San Luis is one of my favorites! I went along vicariously. LOL (I used to live in Arroyo Grande, and my oldest son lives in Nipomo.) Your book is amazing and such an educational piece of history as well as a beautiful love story. I’m so excited for you. Do we get a cover reveal soon? 😉
I’m glad you were along with us, Laura. Arroyo Grande is delightful! I hope to post several cover options this week and get votes on what is most appealing.
Sooo looking forward to this book… this is my father’s family/personal history as well!! Can you let us know when/how we can order? Thankyou friend!!
Yes, I sure will, Cathy. I imagine you’ll find lots of similarities with your father’s family history in it. I’ll be sure to keep you posted. Hugs!
I’m really looking forward to reading your book!!
I enjoyed experiencing your time away with you! You really do know how to take a restful break!!
Thanks, Esther. I actually had to do a bit of work while away, but it was a good time for Don to nap! I’ll keep you posted on the novel as it gets closer! Blessings.
I’m so happy for you and Don, Carol. To have each other and to spend quality time together is such a gift! And soon… all of us who have been waiting for your book is about to become reality’. Will you do a book tour?!
Thank you Susan. Yes, that quality time together is a huge gift! I hope to do a book tour … will keep you posted! Love you.