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This accidental book trailer has people searching used book stores for the out-of-print story of Christian.

She has a job.

After a year-and-a-half of searching.

A real job.

With a paycheck.

And health benefits.

And the opportunity for a career.

There have been hundreds of hours of tedious applications, job interviews, buckets of tears, palms of hopes, and always, always the trust that God would direct her paths.

It took humility from an already humble gal.

And the encouragement and prayers of many loved ones, all cheering her on.

Now she has a job.

At a time when the nation is posting one of its highest unemployment rates in decades.

She has a job.

She starts Monday.

At a law firm in Bend, Oregon, as a law clerk/personal assistant.

Do you know how to work in a stressful situation? he asked.

Have you ever been in a newsroom? she replied.

He gave her the job.

Thank you for your prayers for Miz Shelby. She went home and did the Happy Dance.

And that night, she went to the home that Kon & Jon bought and they all did the Happy Dance together in the Dining Room of the home that Jon will move into as soon as he finishes painting it the colors that Konnie wants.

Feel free to do the Happy Dance yourself today.

 

It's enough to make me never want to leave the South.

Spokane, Wash., where daughter Ash and her husband Zack live, are snowed in. Snowed over. Snowed around. Snow depth have reached Jordanian heights -- as in Michael Jordan.

They've called in the National Guard.

To sweep the roofs of schools to keep them from caving in.

One snowplow driver has been shot.

The mental health hotline is buzzing.

I was snowed in once.

The winter I got pregnant with Konnie. (Don't take this route, Ash & Zack).

I read books about depression, and how to overcome it.

I cried, a lot.

I prayed more.

I yelled an awful lot. At Tim and the kiddos.

I was miserable.

I vowed never to live in such a cold place again. (You might consider this, honey).

The snow might help explain why North Carolina's population is one of the fastest growing in the nation.

You only need one wardrobe for the entire year.

Hang on, baby. Summer will be here before too long.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090107/D95I8DF00.html

Not to be heartless to childless couples, but I came away wondering is there nothing, I mean nothing, that we won't exploit for the sake of a dollar?

 

I doubt very much that they are selling those eggs because they can't find any other way to pay their college loans. I suspect it's so they can buy those designer labels they were wearing.

 

And this notion that they are being altrustic and helping the childless couple is simply so that they can justify what their spirits tell them is a wrong thing to do. We are not chickens. We were not created to sell eggs. No offense to the chickens.

 

Pray tell me, who is keeping track of all these eggs? How do we know Egg One won't grow up to fall in love with Egg Two, who is really a half-brother or half-sister?

 

In our effort to be non-judgmental we have lost all common sense.

 

I owe so many of you personal notes. Please know that I've read all the notes you've sent and I will be catching up on my correspondence this week, I hope. I am not ignoring you. But I've been on the road so much, and without Internet at my new abode, it's been hard to stay on top of the blogging, the books, & the job. Don't feel like you've been relegated to the back burner. If you have been it's only temporary.

I finally have Internet at the Pinehurst place. I had to call out the Geek Squad to get it set up. Agent Blade, that's the name he  used, came out and set everything up on Saturday. He drove the Geek Squad car and wore all black. He even had on geeky glasses. It took him ten minutes to do a $100 worth of work. I'm in the wrong business.

I woke up this morning unable to lift my right arm or turn my head in any directon. This the result of spending most of Saturday and Sunday hunched over the laptop and two hours on the phone conducting interviews.

I am on my way to get a massage as soon as I post this. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this week's column. I did have fun writing it...

 

http://fayobserver.com/article?id=314763

The auction for the Fountain of Hope painting by artist Stacey Howell ended in November. A long-time hunting partner and co-worker of Ed Henrick's purchased the painting.

I carried the painting from North Carolina to Oregon via a hanging bag, which I was able to stow away in the overhead bins thanks to that first-class ticket God kept providing. (I've offered to carry Stacey's art anywhere she'd like from now on).

I met the benefactor, who didn't want to be identified, at a bakery in Bend, Ore. I was late because I went to the wrong bakery. Not only can I not get directions right when I drive, I can't get them right when other people are doing the driving, in this case, daughter Konnie, who was named for Connie Henricks.

Tim, Jon, Konnie and I met with Mr. Benefactor.

Our visit was brief, owing to the fact that daylight was drawing to a close and Konnie and Jon wanted me to see the house they were buying. But Mr. Benefactor promised to send me photos of Connie with Stacey's painting.

And as you can see, he kept his promise. Here's what he had to say about it:

We had a delightful visit with Connie and family.  She graciously accepted the painting and emotionally thanked all who were so thoughtful to make it happen.   

Mr. Benefactor isn't a man of many words.

I spoke to Connie just moments after Mr. B left her place. I had thought he was going over that evening so I didn't know I was calling within moments of her getting the painting. She told me she had just sent a note off to Stacey and cc'd me in on it. Here's part of her note:

Oh Stacie, I have just seen "The Fountain of Hope" in person. It is
beautiful! The fountain water bubbles up with Hope and Joy right off the
canvas. It is magnificent and I am so blessed by your God given artistic
talent and your Christ like generous heart which you have shared with us.

One of Ed's hunting partners and long time friend came to visit this morning so that we could visit with his daughter who has been living in Pakistan. We had a delightful visit, hearing all about God's gracious love and care to her.  She brought some traditional Pakistani Chai tea and cookies, photos of life there, and wonderful stories.

Just as we were finishing our visit, he brought a big bag from the car. I was astonished and thrilled as he uncovered "The Fountain of Hope" right here in my own living room. It is even more stunning in person! We all discussed the beauty of the painting, your abilities, and the heart of your desire to paint it. We were all blessed!

Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and blessing that he would buy it and then, he knocked our socks right off and said it was for us to keep. I am so overwhelmed with the love of God delivered. Even more astonishing is the envelope he left with Ed, filled with 100 dollar bills. If you could see me now you would notice that I am floating in a pool of humble tears and filled with irrepressible gratitude.

May God's hand of grace continue to be administered to you dear Stacie and to other's, through you, for His glory and honor. There is nothing more rewarding than to know that one has been used by God Almighty for His grand and eternal purpose. You have done just that and inspire me to abide in Him more fully so as to also be a channel of His grace and purpose.

Victoria and our 19 year old son, Edward, were here and they have been
eternally blessed and moved also. Before our friends even pulled out of our
driveway we decided where our honored painting will be hung. It will be in
a prominent place in the living room, visible from the entry way where
everyone who enters can see and hear of God's provision and blessing.

With love, prayer, and hearts overwhelmed,
Connie and Ed Henricks

Stacey called as I was speaking to Connie. She had just received the email and left me a voice message that said, "I just needed to talk to someone who knows Connie and what a blessing she is."

When I called her back, Stacey said that Connie's email had been such a blessing to her that she couldn't possibly answer it, not yet.

Another friend, author Janis Owens, that I shared this story & photo with had this to say:

 "Their faces are so full of love and grace that it really does make me teary. Bless them."

Please keep the Henricks family in your prayers as Ed continues to look for a new job, and as Connie continues her regime of chemotherapy.

The real Fountain of Hope lies in the community of friendships that we form. As the old song goes, Blessed be the tie that binds ...

 

The Golden Canon has released its best books for 2008. It's probably redundant to note that among these evangelicals there are no women authors of note. Go figure. The list reads like a list of GOP nominees...

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/fall/21.76.html?start=1

I am sitting on the floor of my home office. Tim is still sleeping as is Shelby. It's raining outside. There is snow on the ground. We are leaving this morning for Bend, where Tim will drop me off and Shelby will get me to the airport for my flight back to Raleigh, via Portland, San Francisco, & DC. Need milk anyone?

I met the future in-laws, lovely people, bought the wedding dress, beautiful, and several accessories. We opened Christmas gifts. I got a great new pair of Born shoes from Konnie and Jon and Shelby made me the niftiest eyeglass holder. She's very creative that Shelby. Tim gave me a card. More about that later.

There was plenty of snow to be had by all. I only wish there had been time for sledding. Poe has shown his undying affection by following me everywhere I go and snuggling up to me each night.

Church yesterday was great fun. Kevin preached an insightful sermon about King David being undignified, something I can totally relate to.

I'll get to Raleigh early Tuesday and head straight to work. Meanwhile here's my Monday column. Hope you enjoy it.

http://fayobserver.com/article?id=314173