Week 299

Positive post Sunday, November 20, 2022- Week 299.

How fitting that I’m writing this PPS while with my family in beautiful Eagle, Idaho, just outside of Boise where Jay McCall, a friend I have known since childhood, lives. When you read this PPS, you will understand the difference between coincidence and God’s plan. Or as Jay would say, there are no accidents and chance plays no part in God’s plan!

Until yesterday, I had not seen Jay in over 40 years. By the grace of God, not by chance, when I posted a picture of my Knights Tee Ball team from 1969 a few weeks back, Jay responded and reshared the photo, noting he was the kid on the top right row next to our coach Mr. Cameron (I’m in the middle of the bottom row right in front of the sign and my dad is the coach on the left), and we reconnected. Not only did Jay and I reconnect, but his post sparked a dialog with many of our Facebook friends who grew up with us in La Crescenta, a small family-oriented town in the hills north of Los Angeles, California, taking us down memory lane. Reading all those comments again today, reminded me how blessed my childhood was with amazing family and friends.

Some may see our reconnecting as a coincidence, but I choose to see it as the work of God, reconvening many of us, reinforcing the foundation of Faith, Family and Fitness we all grew up with. A foundation that is especially valuable and deeply needed in the world we all live in today. I cannot imagine my life without a foundation of faith.

For me, the reconnection goes even deeper. I am on my 299th consecutive PPS and each week as I prepare to write, I open my heart and mind, listen to those around me and to the Word of the Lord at church for inspiration and guidance on what to write. And a few weeks back, the good Lord reconnected me with Jay, another man of God like me who has grown closer to the Lord over the years with a passion to share His good Word and works. Not a coincidence!

What I didn’t know is that over the years Jay has become a gifted and accomplished speaker, writer and author. Jay wrote a timeless book for children titled “Jeremiah’s Angel”, the story of two very special kids who discover the meaning of “LOVE and FORGIVENESS” (all capitals Jay!) in an unforgettable way through Jeremiah’s extraordinary journeys with Ian, his Guardian Angel. I especially like the part about fly fishing with Papa. Our family version is riding bikes with Papa. Although written for children, this is a great read for parents and grandparents as well. We can all benefit from a little more LOVE and FORGIVENESS in our lives!

Inspired by Jay’s book, and being in Idaho, I reached out to him to see if we could meet. By the grace of God, we met in person yesterday. Two men who love the Lord with a passion to bring others closer to Jesus by proclaiming His Word through writing reconnected after 40+ years. Again, not by chance but by the work of the Lord.

Although brief, I felt like a kid again, revisiting my childhood days, and a student absorbing all I could from the professor. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of Jay’s book, I also received thoughtful and insightful coaching on the work and preparation that goes into writing a book, something I have aspired to do for years. Thank you for relighting the fire (and passion) in my heart and soul to begin the journey of writing my book Jay, and for the signed “Jeremiah’s Angel” books for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to reading them with my grandchildren so they will also know the Truth about Heaven. I can’t wait to read your next book!

Most importantly, thank you Lord for reconnecting me with your faithful servant Jay so we can work together, sharing our passion to proclaim your Word and spread positivity and hope to those in need.

How do you share LOVE and FOREGIVENESS with others?

How do you spread positivity and hope for those in need?