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Sweaters and Knee Socks

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

I grew up in a family that didn’t have much money for extras. We didn’t buy name brand clothes. We shopped at garage sales before it became popular. Mom made sure we had a couple of new outfits for school each fall and new dresses for Christmas and Easter. Sometimes they were homemade.

Fashion was all about Izods and Calvin Kleins when I was in high school. I don’t think not having name brand jeans and shirts really mattered to me. But one trend I wanted to have so badly was a wool skirt with a wool sweater and knee socks. That outfit was really popular and something I yearned for.

My senior year, a cousin bought me a wool sweater for Christmas and my aunt paid me in wool skirts for babysitting her boys. When I went off to college that fall, I was ready to be in style.

Only people in college didn’t dress that way.

I had missed out on wearing the trend. Now my clothes were out of style at the small college I went to.

My country roots were showing.

(Things got better at the end of my freshman year when a settlement from a driver’s ed car accident came through, giving me spending money above what my college costs were. I bought parachute pants. {Cringe} I actually wore them!)

However, the outdated style didn’t stop me from making friends and experiencing some of the fun the conservative college offered.

One experience I remember well early on in my freshman year was a spiritual retreat. I don’t know where the campground was, but the girls’ bathroom were all open-stall toilets. Needless to say, I didn’t feel the urge to go.

There were also really tall, old growth trees. When we all took a walk through the trees, the leader told us to lay down on the ground and look up. I still remember how majestic the treetops looked from that point of view.

Experiences like this spiritual retreat helped cement the faith that I had experienced in high school and made me a stronger Christian. A sophomore year trip to Mexico gave me new confidence.

I began to walk my own path. Things that had mattered before weren’t important anymore. I had new plans, new dreams.

Forty years have gone by since my college days. (Yikes, I’m THAT old!)

I felt recently like I have finally “come into my own.” I had confidence in myself and in my plans.

Then news I hadn’t expected put a roadblock in my path and I’m not sure what the future holds for me.

I love this verse and have had it memorized since I was a teen:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

As I have done for most of my life, in these moments I put my faith in the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the Father who created me and loves me. He will direct my paths. The NIV says, “He will make your paths straight.” I like that translation also.

I am praying and waiting to see what He will do, even as I take each step that I know is right for that moment. No, I can’t see ahead, but that’s okay. He will make my way straight and clear.

Now thinking back to that long-ago retreat, I realize I am not the same person. I have a deeper, abiding faith and more life experiences to know that God will, indeed, fulfill the promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. As I trust in Him, He shall direct my path.

And I realize that if I were to lay on the ground and look up at the treetops, I wouldn’t be able to get back up! (Not gracefully, anyway).

The End Goal

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Our Detroit Tigers worked hard playing baseball but didn’t quite make it to their goal.

On the other hand, our Detroit Lions are consistently winning their football games after many years of living with defeat.

Football and baseball players invest their lives in the sport and work hard towards the goal of winning championship titles.

I never liked playing sports. I couldn’t hit, throw or catch a baseball. The one time I played backyard football I didn’t realize when the quarterback threw the ball to me I couldn’t throw it to someone else. Everyone was running towards me, and I wanted to get the ball out of my hands.

Could I have become better with more practice?

Maybe I could have, but you never know. I didn’t try.

My goal in school wasn’t to play on sports. No, it was to write stories that other people could read.

I attended college with an eye on journalism. I got sidetracked when I went on to Mexico to study, then returned a few years later to teach.

My goal at that time was to become a mission–or rather, a Missus. I had my eye on the prize, wanting to become a bride. When my husband came into my life, I got caught up in a whirlwind of romance and married him nine months later. (No regrets).

Now my goal became to have children. So a year and a half after our wedding, our first child was born, then a year and a half after that, our daughter. (No regrets).

Okay, a boy and a girl. A few years later, we made the choice to try for one more, and successfully became a family of 5. (No regrets).

Then my husband passed away while my older two were teenagers and youngest only ten.

Now we were a broken family circle.

I felt defeated. Lost and confused. Angry and trying not to question God. My husband used to say, we’re all going to die sometime. But why him, why now?

And how could I possibly go on without him?

One day at a time.

One song at a time played in those moments when I needed the extra words.

Time after time of crying out to God in my loneliness and heartache.

I got up each morning, got the kids off to school, took the dog out in the yard.

Yet daily I struggled with grief compounded by mental health issues.

Over time it became apparent that I needed help to get to a better place in life.

I found that help. I stuck with it, worked hard on the things I could change and got back into church.

Today I am coping with life better than I thought I ever would. I have minor setbacks and defeats, but overall I am in a good place.

My goal is back to writing stories, where I first began in high school. Fortunately, none of those are still in existence. One time on a whim, I tossed them all in the dumpster. (No regrets).

What are some of my other goals today?

To maintain a purpose in life. To work hard and support myself financially.

To love my kids without reservation and to make good memories with them.

To encourage others who are on various paths in life and judge them not.

My end goal?

To meet Jesus and finally learn the answers to all the questions I’ve had in this life. To dance for joy in his presence.

Go Detroit Lions! Win big this year.

Meet the Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers contains Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies.

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.

In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.

Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

Meet the Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers.

Andrea, thank you for joining me today. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am the kind of person who always keeps busy, and writing is something I enjoy in my scarce free time. I’m a happily married mother of two, and family means everything to me. I enjoy working as a physical therapist, and I specialize in pelvic floor rehab, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). I love serving my community by volunteering with my local EMS squad as an emergency medical technician. I’ve been volunteering since high school (over 9,700 rescue calls), and now I’m blessed to be answering calls with my twins, who are also volunteer EMT’s.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I am most definitely a morning person, which is a good thing, because I have to be at work by 6:30AM. I am high energy all day (I seriously don’t even drink caffeine), but I am ready for bed by 9:30PM. However, when I respond to  multiple nighttime emergency first aid calls with my rescue squad, I am sometimes a little sleepy the next day!

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Well, to be honest, I don’t wait until my book is finished. Chocolate is my favorite treat during the writing process! In my opinion, there’s nothing like a crème filled chocolate to keep the creative juices flowing.

I agree. Chocolate is a great energy boost.

Are you part of a writing group?

I was briefly a part of a writing group in the past but had to give it up because there are simply not enough hours in the day between working, writing, caring for my family, and volunteering with my first aid squad.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My husband and sister are the first ones to read my books. They are a great support system, and I feel blessed to have their input.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

My favorite author is Jane Austen. I have read Pride & Prejudice many times, and I can never resist re-watching the 1995 BBC version.

What book or author has inspired you the most?

As a child, I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the books by James Herriott, which relate true stories from his experiences as a veterinarian. Currently, my family and I are watching the series All Creatures Great and Small, which is based on his books.

What’s next for you as an author?

Right now, I’m working on a book about healthy aging, drawing on my experience and knowledge as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I also have several  short stories being published by Guideposts.

Andrea, thank you for being my guest today. Where can readers find your book:

https://amzn.to/46U4JZs

Where can readers find you?

www.andreajorodgers.com.

https://www.facebook.com/AndreaJoRodgers/

and amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Jo-Rodgers/author/B00SAAQM18?isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    

Good Wednesday Morning. October 2, 2024

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Wait, Good morning? What is so good about it?

I didn’t sleep well. I woke up early, disoriented from my dreams. Then I remembered something I wanted to change about an ad I placed, so I left a message at the newspaper desk and also sent an email.
Whew! Hopefully they can make the change in time before publishing.
If not, though, that is going to have to be okay.

What was I saying?
Oh, yes.

What is good about this morning?

I’m alive. I woke up. I’m breathing. At almost sixty, this is no small feat. God has blessed me with another day.

Often I get discouraged and negative about things in my life. I look around my house and think of the remodeling I want to do and lament that there is not enough money or time to do all that I want to do.

Is it a good morning?

For me, it is. Forget about the remodeling. It seems so unimporant in light of photos I’ve seen from the hurricane, of whole homes dropping into the flood waters. Kind of puts my remodelinginto perspective, doesn’t it?

I’m thankful I have a house, a solid house, standing on a firm foundation. Not everyone can say that this morning, especially those in the midst of the disaster.

That kind of reminds me of the way it is with the Lord, also. I have a solid faith, a firm foundation on the truth of the Word of God. Unlike the houses in the flood, my spiritual house remains standing even when life’s challenges flood around me.

My focus is too often on me, myself and mine. When I really think about it, none of what I own is permanent. If it isn’t swept away in a flood, it will all be left behind when I move on to my glorious reward. (And my kids will have to decide what to do with what I leave behind).

I enjoy my material possessions, but I need to not let the acquiring of more or the “Best” become my focus. In this world everything is temporary, except us, and our faith and love for others.

My biggest accomplishment in life is raising my kids to become adults. They are well-liked, responsible and people I can be proud of. Not that I did it all on my own, and some of it was in spite of my rocky years as a parent who didn’t know what she was doing.

Wait, that’s still me! I don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to maintaining a relationship with them, other than to love them for exactly who they are. And to pray that God will show them the way to Him.

I want them to learn what I’ve learned, that my faith in God is the solid rock on which I stand no matter what happens around me. Or to me.

Faithfulness on my part, and faithfulness on God’s part, makes for a strong relationship with my loving Heavenly Father.

Today, pray for the victims in the flooded states. Give in any way you are able.

And remember how blessed you are that you woke up this morning and likely in a place that is solid and maybe even comfortable.

Pray that God will help you take your eyes off what is temporary in this world and fix your focus on what is permanent: A life well-lived and a one way ticket across that golden bridge into Heaven.

So yes, it is a good morning.
Good morning to you.

January 8, 2024: Good Monday Morning

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Good Monday Morning.

I have not posted to my blog for almost a year due to health problems. While I am still not 100%, I am able to pick up a little on my writing again. I have some actual goals this year.

I’ll be writing curriculum for children’s ministry again this year. I enjoy working with the kids. They are so honest and have great questions. They inspire me to dig a little deeper in my faith, to keep my life centered on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

By the end of the summer I hope to have my Bible lessons ready for publishing. There are two series in particular: The Passport to the Promised Land, and the Hall of Faith series, both of which focus on Old Testament Bible stories.

I haven’t written any new fiction since 2021. Instead I have focused on my real life. Unfortunately, much of last year was mired in pain and some depression and I didn’t have the motivation or energy to make up scenes and dialogue. This year I am going to return to my familiar characters and stories and work on sequels.

Thank you to all who have stuck with me on this journey.

May 2024 be a blessed year, indeed.