The recess bell of summer has rung! School is in session once again. Whether you are a college student leaving home for the first time, a mom with children in school, or even if you are taking some classes on your own--it's back to schedules, back to routine, and back to homework. No more lazy days of summer for any of us!

I often think of all the different changes that invariably push us into another season of our life. Not the starting of school, the changing colors of nature, the falling leaves, or the cool, crisp change in the air--but the news of an impending move, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the unexpected diagnosis of an illness or disease, or a marriage becoming a divorce. It's like the bell rings on the normalcy of our days and we are all of a sudden having to rearrange and rethink the schedule and routine of life.

My friend, Stephanie, has been pushed into another season of life with breast cancer. She recently had a double mastectomy. She is 41 years old and has three young children. I wrote about her indomitable spirit in my book, After the Boxes are Unpacked. She created a place of beauty both inside and out in a little mobile home when she was newly married, by choosing to bloom where ever she was planted in spite of her circumstances. Once again, that same indomitable spirit shines through her circumstances. Stephanie has chosen to live life to the fullest as she has had to redefine, rearrange and rethinking schedules, routines, and the many changes that come as she lives with cancer. Within her lives a strong faith in Jesus Christ, an unwavering hope, and a persevering spirit that enables her to push through this unwelcomed season of change. She inspires me with the testimony of her life and has deepened my own faith as I observe her on this new, life-changing, life-altering, journey.

Thank you to all the Stephanies' in my life, both near and far, who continue to teach me how to live through the seasons of change. You have made Christ all the more real to me. I am blessed to call you my friends.

Learning To Be Content
by Pat from Jeffersonton, VA

Learning to be content is what I pray today... To rest secure in Jesus, relaxing in His freedom's way... I need what He restores: His love, His care, His peace. His heart is ever towards me; His guidance will not cease. Being content in Jesus proves His sufficiency’s enough. I really need not lust after possessions, food or any other stuff.It’s His word that is comforting, His power that holds strength;His love that beckons to me, His heart that teaches how to go the length!

Thank You, God, for Your love that gives beyond earth’s measure; Your plan entered our universe… Jesus, my true treasure. Teach me, Lord, to be content; not filled with lust or greed or envy… Controlled by You alone. Satisfied, not discontent with where I be.

Teach me to be holy, as You have called my name. Teach me to be willing… to daily walk Your claim. Teach me to be looking, gazing on Your face;No time to dwell on selfishness, rather run Your pace, this place.