In the past few months I’ve shifted gears. I am no longer volunteering in any of the places I used to. I was a 27 year member, and 8 years in leadership, in Bible Study Fellowship. I resigned from it too. I have some health challenges that set about the change in cutting back. It’s been several months and I’m just now adapting. It feels different, not bad, but different. My reading has picked up. I have a goal of those writers who are my favorites, I plan to read most or all their works. I’m writing. For the first time since I was 18, I don’t have an agenda. I’m in new uncharted waters. It’s sort of exciting.
This sounds like a wonderful and liberating stage to be in, Annette, in addition to having some real limitations and constraints. I'm glad you are excited for what's ahead! Who are some of your favorite writers? I also like to read through a writer's body of work.
Flannery O’Connor, Joan Didion, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, Fyodor Dostoevsky, L. M. Montgomery, Charles Dickens, and Elizabeth Goudge.
So happy to see you in my inbox! This article really hit me and helped me ask the question of "who have you formed me to be" to God. It's been a rough transition since Oliver finished his chemo. We are all still struggling to get back to "normal" because nothing is normal anymore. Thanks!
Hi Tracy! It's so good to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear about Oliver's health challenges. I'm sure normal does feel very illusive. I've been praying for you all since I first read your message.
I have missed reading your Wonder Report! In fact, a while ago I went online searching for you and wondered where you were. So glad to read "you" again. I am glad you are done with your 2 years and have moved on to where God needs you to be at this moment.
Hi Kam! So wonderful to hear from you. I love that you went searching for me online! LinkedIn was about the only place I was keeping up-to-date. Hopefully you found proof of life! How are you?
In the last year, I’ve moved states and started a new job. Getting your email today was like a much needed stabilizer that I didn’t know I was missing. Thank you for sharing again.
Michaela -- your comment feels like a blessing, right from the middle of all the transition you are experiencing. I hope you are finding light and hope where you are. And congrats on the new job.
What a lovely surprise to find The Wonder Report in my inbox! Thank you! I'll be happy with whenever it shows up; it doesn't need to be a regular thing.
So, so happy you are back, Charity, in what, as you say, is the space that has changed considerably! So wonderful to hear all that you have been doing, and how you have been growing and listening to how the Lord is changing you – I love how you are drawing near to Him in this way, and with such attention. While much has changed, what remains the same is that reading your words is a balm. Your reflections here bring to mind one of my favourite quotes from St John Henry Newman: “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often”. I’ll always be delighted whenever you share your invitation to us all to chase wonder.
Welcome back, Charity! I missed you!
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I can't wait to read your latest book!
Hope it captures you, Charity!
Hey! I’ve missed you and have hoped you’d return.
In the past few months I’ve shifted gears. I am no longer volunteering in any of the places I used to. I was a 27 year member, and 8 years in leadership, in Bible Study Fellowship. I resigned from it too. I have some health challenges that set about the change in cutting back. It’s been several months and I’m just now adapting. It feels different, not bad, but different. My reading has picked up. I have a goal of those writers who are my favorites, I plan to read most or all their works. I’m writing. For the first time since I was 18, I don’t have an agenda. I’m in new uncharted waters. It’s sort of exciting.
This sounds like a wonderful and liberating stage to be in, Annette, in addition to having some real limitations and constraints. I'm glad you are excited for what's ahead! Who are some of your favorite writers? I also like to read through a writer's body of work.
Flannery O’Connor, Joan Didion, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, Fyodor Dostoevsky, L. M. Montgomery, Charles Dickens, and Elizabeth Goudge.
So happy to see you in my inbox! This article really hit me and helped me ask the question of "who have you formed me to be" to God. It's been a rough transition since Oliver finished his chemo. We are all still struggling to get back to "normal" because nothing is normal anymore. Thanks!
Hi Tracy! It's so good to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear about Oliver's health challenges. I'm sure normal does feel very illusive. I've been praying for you all since I first read your message.
I have missed reading your Wonder Report! In fact, a while ago I went online searching for you and wondered where you were. So glad to read "you" again. I am glad you are done with your 2 years and have moved on to where God needs you to be at this moment.
Hi Kam! So wonderful to hear from you. I love that you went searching for me online! LinkedIn was about the only place I was keeping up-to-date. Hopefully you found proof of life! How are you?
I was so excited when I saw Charity in my inbox. Thank you for sharing. Missed your thoughts and challenges.
Thanks, Susan!
In the last year, I’ve moved states and started a new job. Getting your email today was like a much needed stabilizer that I didn’t know I was missing. Thank you for sharing again.
Michaela -- your comment feels like a blessing, right from the middle of all the transition you are experiencing. I hope you are finding light and hope where you are. And congrats on the new job.
Welcome back, Charity! I look forward to chasing wonder with you.
Thank you, Sue!
Hi Charity, I was so happy to see you and hear how God is working in your life. Can't wait to read more... Chasing wonder with you!
Thanks so much, Diane! Great to hear from you.
What a lovely surprise to find The Wonder Report in my inbox! Thank you! I'll be happy with whenever it shows up; it doesn't need to be a regular thing.
Thanks for that grace, Patty. Great to see your name pop up here.
It’s good to see you back in these parts, Charity :) !
Thanks, Paola! I feel like I'm coming home after a long journey!
It’s so lovely to see you back 😄🤗
Thank you, Michelle!
So wonderful to have a little peek into the last 2 years. Thank you!
Thanks, Jen! It was a wild couple of years.
I’m so happy to have you back! I really missed your words and thoughts. And now I actually have a Substack page myself with two whole posts. 😉
Great, Linda! I'll have to check it out! Thanks for your warm welcome on my re-entry!
Welcome back. Great to hear from you. I'm getting ready to retire in the next 6 months. I am sure changes on the way for me as well
Hi Cheryl! That will be some big change! How exciting, though.
What a nice surprise to have you back in my inbox! Wow. Thanks for starting up again. I enjoy your writings.
Thanks so much, Kathleen!
So, so happy you are back, Charity, in what, as you say, is the space that has changed considerably! So wonderful to hear all that you have been doing, and how you have been growing and listening to how the Lord is changing you – I love how you are drawing near to Him in this way, and with such attention. While much has changed, what remains the same is that reading your words is a balm. Your reflections here bring to mind one of my favourite quotes from St John Henry Newman: “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often”. I’ll always be delighted whenever you share your invitation to us all to chase wonder.