In my novel, The Journey, Esther Beiler had a fear of heights, so she avoided going up in high places. In Book 2, The Healing, coming in September, Esther forces herself to face that fear, and becomes a stronger person because of it.

Like Esther, ever since I was a young girl I’ve struggled with a fear of heights. Because of it, I’ve often avoided high places. However, this past April, while my husband and I were visiting Christian County, Kentucky, I decided to face my fears and go up in the Jefferson Davis Monument. I discovered that it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d expected. In fact, I found myself enjoying the beautiful view of the area below, and even videoed some of what I saw. I believe that each time I face my fears they will lessen.

Is there something you’re afraid of? Try facing your fear head on, and remember that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. Another verse of scripture I find helpful when I’m fearful is found in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Heavenly Father: When I feel frightened or insecure, give me a gentle reminder that I need to put my trust in you. Give me a calm mind and confident heart. Teach me to trust You more. Amen.

A few weeks ago my husband and I attended our twin granddaughters’ high school graduation. What a joy it was to watch them receive their diplomas. We are proud of their accomplishment and are cheering these special young women on. We’ll also be praying for them as they continue with their studies in preparation for their future.

The Amish have a word for pride. It’s called “hochmut,” and they feel, as the Bible says, that it’s wrong to be prideful or boastful about things. (Proverbs 29:23 & Luke 18:14). However, being boastful isn’t the same as feeling a sense of pride for one’s accomplishments or those of your children or grandchildren. I believe we can feel this sense of pride and still be humble, not haughty or bragging about our good deeds or those of others. By true humility and honoring the Lord in all that we do, we give glory to God and not to ourselves.

As I wrote in my journal today I thought of a poem I wrote some time ago, entitled, “A Humble Attitude.” The ending of the poem says: Lord, help me to have a humble attitude, not prideful, conceited, or vain. I want to be an example to others, never haughty, just humble and plain.

If you’d like to read the beginning of that poem, you’ll find it in my little devotional book called “A Celebration of the Simple Life,” which includes many inspiring thoughts from Amish Country.

I woke up the other morning feel tired and out-of-sorts. I’d worked too many hours the day before, had slept wrong on my neck, and had a headache besides. How was going to get any sensible writing done? I hoped I wasn’t going to be grumpy all day.

Then I opened my e-mail box and found a message from one of my readers that ended with the verse of scripture: “A Merry heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22. That particular verse is one of my favorites, and I was thankful for the reminder to put on a happy face and look for something to laugh, or at least smile, about.

I know my Amish friends enjoy humor, because every time my husband and I have been invited to an Amish home for supper, we’ve enjoyed the light banter, joke telling, and laughter that accompanied the meal.

What brings a smile to your face or causes you to laugh? A joyful heart is pleasing to the Lord, and it’s an added benefit to know that it’s good medicine for us, too. My prayer for today is that, despite fatigue or pain, I’ll be reminded to look at the brighter side of life and thank God for the gift of laughter.