Into the Fire

You might have read my review of Michael Snyder’s first novel My Name Is Russell Fink. Perhaps you even visited other bloggers’ sites participating in the tour for his book. I have not seen all of the reviews, but none of them that I’ve seen have been anything but favorable.

Here’s the deal. I have no details on the sudden death of Mike’s brother, but Bonnie Calhoun was compassionate and efficient enough to send a notice to us on the CFBA’s rolls to let us know of this tragic occurrence to insure prayers for the family.

In the midst of creating a buzz for his first novel, a tragedy happens. How important do you think that novel is for him right about now?

Kristy Dykes has been battling terminal, aggressive brain cancer for several months. The doctor’s prognosis is not good. She remains in good spirits, praising the Lord side by side her pastor husband, daughters, grandchildren, and the rest of their family along with a supportive congregation and friends praying for her all over the world.

Kristy is a prolific and published writer of Christian romance, and while she strongly desires to finish the novel she’s been working on prior to her brain surgery, radiation treatment, and attempted recovery, she knows she must focus on health issues. The intense pain and nausea which has plagued her since surgery has begun to subside, and even in spite of the difficult symptoms she has endured, Kristy continues to find hope and perpetuate life’s joys in the face of death.

Sometimes we tend to think what we’re doing is the most important thing going on in the world at the time. Sometimes it’s not. Life is here today and gone tomorrow, and if we’re not careful, we’ll forget to appreciate it while we have it. We’re a vapor, grass that withers, a mist.

Take note of life. You’ve been given only so many days. And while that might be the reason you work so hard at what you do, maybe it’s better to take a few extra moments to whisper your gratitude for breath. For the time you have right now. This instant. In the big picture, you won’t be here long. Be grateful for the life you have while it’s here.

Father, please let us fulfill your purpose for our lives, never forgetting to thank you for what you’ve given us for as many days as we have. Thank you for the hope of eternity spent with you. Please, Lord, let us always honor you with our whole hearts. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.