Special Note: Wanda is currently holding drawings for a free dinner with her and her husband. If you will be in the Lancaster County, PA area on Tuesday, September 13th, enter the “Dinner with Wanda in Lancaster County, PA” drawing here. If you will be in the Holmes County, OH area on Thursday, September 22nd, enter the “Dinner with Wanda in Holmes County, OH” drawing here. Winners will be notified August 27th.

Extremely hot weather has prevailed this summer in many parts of our country. As we have dealt with the heat where I live, I’ve looked for ways to stay cool. Wearing lighter, cotton clothes; closing curtains to keep the hot sun from streaming in; drinking plenty of cool water; enjoying a dish of cold, homemade ice cream; opening windows whenever there’s a cool breeze; sitting under the shade of a leafy tree; and of course, appreciating the benefit of air conditioning and fans.

Sometimes our lives are sometimes filled with unbearable situations — financial problems; illness; injuries; family issues; and the list goes on. In 2 Corinthians 4:8 it says: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Here are a few things I’ve found helpful to cope with the heat of life’s problems: Reading and meditating on God’s Word; spending time in prayer; fellowshipping with my Christian brothers and sisters; listening to uplifting Christian music; reading a good Christian novel; taking a walk or just sitting quietly outdoors so I can reflect on all the good things God has provided for His people. What are some things you do to get through your unbearable situations?

Since my husband and I travel a lot, we always try to plan our trips so that we don’t miss out on special family events, because our children and grandchildren are very important to us.

I’ve noticed that our Amish friends have a very special bond to their family members, too. I have seen a deep respect between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. I believe that as we follow God’s teachings, our first priority is to Him, and second, to love and serve our family.

How sad that some people treat strangers with more kindness and respect than their own families. The richest legacy we can leave our children and grandchildren is a Christian example. Is there something special you can do for a family member today? When was the last time you told someone in your family how much you love and appreciate them?

Heavenly Father: Thank You for my husband, children, and grandchildren, whom I love and appreciate so much. Help me remember to tell them often that I love them. Amen.

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.