Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 31, 1940: British land in Crete to help Greeks fight Italians. Sulfaguanidine introduced as cure for bacterial dysentery.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 30, 1940: Lt. Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold named as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for air (combat).
65 Years Ago—Oct. 30, 1945: US ends shoe rationing, effective at midnight.

Shoving off Shame - You're Covered

High morals? Ruth set a brisk pace down the pathway. Ten-Penny Doherty? High morals?

Ruth wanted to scream, and for a moment she thought she had, until she raised her head and saw a squadron of squat-nosed fighter planes - P-47 Thunderbolts, Jack called them.

She stretched one hand high as if she could grab hold and climb away from what she had done, from who she was.

In my novel A Memory Between Us, the heroine, Lt. Ruth Doherty, struggles with shame over her past. This six-part blog series deals with shame that lingers after sin has been forgiven or there was no sin to begin with, as in abusive situations. Here's the first post: http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-blog-series-shoving-off-shame.html

God doesn't want us to live under a heavy cloak of shame because:

1) Christ redeems us (http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoving-off-shame-christ-redeems-us.html

2) Christ covers us, and 3) Christ restores us.

Christ Covers Us

Shame is a heavy burden. The Bible often describes people as being clothed, covered, or cloaked in shame. Can you feel the heaviness of that imagery? But the imagery has a deeper meaning as well.

In biblical times, many rituals were performed when people entered a covenant agreement. One of these rituals was the exchange of robes, such as when Jonathan gave his princely robe to David. This symbolized taking on the other person's identity, putting on the other person. When we accept Christ, we enter into a covenant relationship with Him. Jesus takes our robes of humanity, sin, and death. In exchange, He gives us His robe of righteousness. Galatians 3:27 says, "All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

Believers are clothed and covered in Christ's blood and righteousness. The word atonement refers to God's forgiveness. In Hebrew, the word is kaphar, which means "covering over, often with the blood of a sacrifice, in order to atone for some sin. This means that the covering over hides the sin from God" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). Psalm 32:1 says, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

Do you see? While we feel the heavy cloak of shame, Jesus has already exchanged our tattered, filthy robes of sin for His glorious robe of righteousness.

Several years ago, I was weighed down by shame. One day I cried out to God - I wasn't worthy to be a mother to my children, a wife to my husband, a Sunday school teacher, a writer - anything! A song began to play in my head: "Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name." And it hit me. No, I'm not worthy. But Jesus is worthy, and He took my place.

When shame says, "You're not worthy. You're covered in shame," you say, "Go away, liar! I'm not worthy, but Jesus is. His blood covers me, so in God's eyes I'm righteous."

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 29, 1940: In nationally broadcast lottery, first 900 names are pulled for the US draft, including actor Jimmy Stewart. Secretary of War Henry Stimson pulls the first name.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 28, 1940: Italians invade Greece from Albania.

Book Club Beat - Watch over Me by Christa Parrish

Welcome to Book Club Beat, where book clubs share about their discussions.

Book club name and location: Bibliovores, northern California

Book: Watch over Me by Christa Parrish

What it’s about: Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field. As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn's arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour. Their marriage teeters on the brink and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever.

Were discussion questions available? None in the back of the book, and the hostess couldn’t find any on the author’s website. We would have liked some, but discussion never lagged.

What we liked about the book: We loved the diverse and well-drawn characters—from hippy vegan Abbi to wounded soldier Benjamin to sweet deaf math nerd Matthew. Each was so real—flawed yet sympathetic. We also liked the ending—not “tied up in a neat little bow,” but satisfying and realistic.

Anything we would change about the book? Nope. None of us found this an easy read. The novel delves into difficult subjects which make you examine your own life—especially your marriage—but we liked it.

Fun connections (did the story inspire food, decorations, favors, etc.?): Although tempted, no one made any of Abbi’s vegan creations. No soy, no bulgur—but we did have a variety of salads!

Deep connections (this story made us think about the following discussion topics): So many! We discussed post-traumatic stress disorder, whether Christians should focus on social issues or morality or a balance, and communication in marriage, but mostly we discussed the characters’ interesting situations.

Do you recommend this book for other book clubs? Very much if you want a deep book that makes you think—but not if you want a light frothy read.

Thanks for joining me today! If you belong to a book club and would like your group to be featured here, let me know! Pictures of the book club can be included if you'd like. Christian or "clean secular" fiction/nonfiction only please. The questionnaire is short, and I'll obtain the book cover and story blurb.

If you're looking for a book club, check out the Book Club Network at http://www.bookfun.org/ , an on-line meeting place for Christian book club members and authors. Over 500 members and it's only a few months old! Join the fun!

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Oct. 27, 1945: Navy Day: US Navy displays ships in American ports. New song in Top Ten: “It’s Been a Long, Long Time.”

Lessons from the 1940s - Watch out for Stereotypes

During World War II, stereotypes were used in posters, newsreels, and movies to demonize the enemy and motivate people to fight. It's much easier to fight an enemy you hate. Nowadays, these images make us wince. We're too enlightened to stereotype people.

Or are we? Most of us would be ashamed to admit we have stereotypes, but deep inside we classify people. Judge people. Treat people differently.

Skin color, body weight, age, style of clothing and hair, number of tattoos and piercings, educational level, political beliefs, religion, neighborhood of residence, national origin, profession, wealth or lack of wealth, what team they root for, musical preference and how loudly it’s played—these are all areas in which we classify people. We can’t help it.

But we can acknowledge it and refuse to let our internal stereotypes influence our external actions. In fact, we need to show extra mercy to people in our least favorite categories.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan often makes us uncomfortable, as it should. Jesus knows how our minds work—and how our hearts exclude. We need to search our hearts and love all people as God loves us.

[Jesus said,] “’Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man…?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (Luke 10:36-38).

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 25, 1940: Cabin in the Sky premieres on Broadway.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 24, 1940: RAF night raids on Berlin and Hamburg inflict serious civilian casualties for the first time. British Summer Time is extended year-round.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 24, 1945: United Nations officially comes into existence. Norwegian Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling is executed.

Shoving off Shame - Christ Redeems Us

Ruth opened the grand front door, and the sunshine made her eyes water. Ma had peace and joy because she loved the Lord and the Lord loved her. Ma was good, but Ruth was -
"God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Ma's favorite verse. Ruth huffed. Not her. No matter how many times she prayed for forgiveness, her sin and punishment hung thick and black over her.

In my novel, A Memory Between Us, the heroine, Lt. Ruth Doherty, struggles with shame over her past. Last week I started a new blog series about dealing with shame that lingers after sin has been forgiven or there was no sin to begin with, as in abusive situations. Here's the first post: http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-blog-series-shoving-off-shame.html

God doesn't want us to live under a heavy cloak of shame because 1) Christ redeems us, 2) Christ covers us, and 3) Christ restores us.

Christ Redeems Us

Many years ago, I prayed for forgiveness for past sins...over and over again. One day, the Lord stopped me mid-prayer: "Sarah, do you believe Me?" What a silly question - of course I believed God! Then the still, small voice said, "So why don't you trust Me to do as I say?"

1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (italics mine). See that word will? That's a promise! And God always keeps His promises. For more assurance on the completeness of God's forgiveness, read Psalm 103.

Do you really believe Him? Do you trust Him to fulfill His promises? Do you trust Him to remove even the stain of your sin?

These questions may be painful. They were for me. I had to acknowledge that when I dwelled on past sins, I showed a lack of trust in God. I showed a lack of belief that He would really forgive me. And in my distrust, I minimized the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice. One drop of His blood is enough to wash away the sins of all mankind. Isn't it - at its core - prideful to think my sins were so great that His blood couldn't wash them away?

The condemning voice that says you can never be forgiven doesn't come from the Lord. Romans 8:33-34 says, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died for us - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."

When shame says, "You're a horrible person. God could never forgive you," you respond, "Go away, liar! God forgave me and cast my sins away."

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 22, 1940: Germans force Jews from the Rhineland to camps in southern France.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 21, 1940: Publication of For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway. Movie premiere of Knute Rockne, All American, starring Pat O’Brien & Ronald Reagan.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 21, 1945: British engineers blow up U-boat pens in Hamburg.

Book Beat - Love Finds You in Victory Heights

Readers often tell me they want to read more novels set during World War II, so I thought I'd share some of the wonderful books out there.

I've always admired Tricia Goyer for her meticulous research and engaging writing, so I couldn't wait to read Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington (Summerside Press, 2010), co-written with Ocieanna Fleiss. I wasn't disappointed. Hey, you can't go wrong with a B-17 Flying Fortress on the cover!

Rosalie Madison works at the Boeing plant in Seattle, Washington assembling B-17s. When a newspaper article by reporter Kenny Davenport dubs her "Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter," she balks at the unwanted attention from the public - and from the handsome reporter.

The story is sweet, the romance charming, and the supporting characters are a kick. Wartime Seattle, especially the neighborhood of Victory Heights, comes to life, and I seriously want to take swing-dancing lessons after reading about Kenny and Rosalie jitterbugging at the Igloo. Seriously. Sadly my sweet husband's one and only fault is a dancing impairment.

I'm impressed with Tricia and Ocieanna's ability to tell a good story, supported but never overpowered by solid research. This story was a lot of fun.

Movies and Memories Giveaway - We Have a Winner!

What a contest this turned out to be! We had 895 entries in the Movies and Memories Giveaway!! Many thanks to LitFuse Publicity for running the contest and blog tour. The random number generator has selected one grand prize winner...
Cassandra Darensbourg!

Congratulations to Cassandra!

Cassandra will receive a A Movie and Memory Prize Package!
* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com
* Netflix Subscription
* Starbucks gift card
*Gourmet chocolate
* British specialty teas in carved wooden box
* Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane
*Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)
* WWII poster playing cards
* Keep Calm and Carry On

Thanks to everyone who entered, to those who spread the word about the contest and the book, and to all the bloggers who reviewed A Memory Between Us! This was a fun way to celebrate the release of my second novel.

If you'd like to see a summary of the blog tour, please visit http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/a-memory-between-us-by-sarah-sundin.html I was blessed with some fabulous reviews by some fabulous bloggers!

Lessons from the 1940s - Careless Words Kill

During World War II, careless words could lead to needless deaths. A mother chatting in the beauty parlor about her son's ship leaving San Diego the next day, a spy in the chair next to her - a sub notified, a ship sunk. Posters like this reminded people to watch their words.

Recently school bullying has made the headlines. Careless, cruel words caused several teens to hate their lives so much that suicide seemed the only escape. Needless, heartbreaking deaths.

Bullying has always been with us. How many of us were on the receiving end as children? How many dished it out - and are willing to admit it?

However, technology has made bullying worse. While a bullied child used to be able to retreat to a safe home, now text messages and social media batter them with those careless words all day long.

In addition, our culture has elevated snarkiness to art form. While politicians and celebrities have always been targets for the media, now the common man has the ability to add his own comments. We feel safe mocking the famous - we'll never meet them in person and see the effect of our words - besides, they knew what they were getting into, didn't they? And our culture grows meaner.

And so one teen, desperate to be accepted by others, beats another teen up with her words. The others laugh at her clever snarkiness. They join in. The victim slowly dies inside.

How can we stop this? We can refuse to join in the meanness. We can refuse to laugh at snarkiness. We can keep communication open with our children, watching for signs that they're bullies or victims. Most of all, we can watch our own words vigilantly and teach our children likewise. Words have power. Use them wisely.

How do you recommend we stop this cycle?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct.18, 1940: Vichy France introduces anti-Semitic laws.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 16, 1940: “R-Day”: All US men aged 21-36 register for the draft (16 million men). Movie premiere of The Great Dictator, Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard parody of Hitler.

New Blog Series - Shoving off Shame

"Ruth dragged her feet up the steps of the monument and circled the marble rising in carved splendor to golden winged figures on top. She gazed up at Queen Victoria bright in the midday sun in all her marble purity. The queen looked down her pure white nose with disdain in her pure white eyes. She knew. She saw Ten-Penny Doherty in her filthy shame, sullying her beautiful land."

In my novel A Memory Between Us, the heroine, Lt. Ruth Doherty is weighed down by shame over something she did in the past. I understand. I've been there too. For years I allowed shame to defeat me.

Shame is the voice in our heads saying, "I'm a horrible person. I'm not worthy. God could never use me."

Shame is one of Satan's favorite - and most effective - weapons to incapacitate us. Sometimes shame is thrust upon us due to things we have no control over, such as abuse, coming from a dysfunctional home or a home you're ashamed of, disabilities, or our looks. Sometimes shame arises from sin - not just from unconfessed sin, but it often remains after forgiveness. In fact, the closer we get to God, our shame sometimes grows as we see new dimensions to our sin - how we hurt others, led others astray, and grieved the Lord.

When sin flourishes in our lives, shame serves an important purpose to show us our deeds through God's perfect eyes and bring us to repentance. The Greek word for shame in the Bible is entrope, which means "turning in upon oneself producing a recoil - based on a wholesome shame - from what is unseemly or vile" (Strong's Expanded Concordance).

However, when shame remains after sin is forgiven and removed from your life, or no sin existed in the first place (as in abusive situations), this shame is not from God.

It is not God's will for us to live under the heavy cloak of shame for three reasons: 1) Christ redeems us, 2) Christ covers us, and 3) Christ restores us. Over the next few weeks, I hope to explore these concepts. Jesus said, "'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'" (John 8:32, italics mine). I want to live in freedom. How about you?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 15, 1940: Heavy Luftwaffe raid on London, Birmingham, and Bristol starts 900 fires.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 15, 1945: Vichy Premier Pierre Laval executed by the French for collaborating with Nazis.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 14, 1940: Movie premiere of The Westerner, starring Gary Cooper.

Temptation...Revisited

1 big bag o' candy + 80 children = feeding frenzy.

Last week I posted a devotion on temptation (http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/which-lion.html), in preparation for a Sunday school lesson on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness for fourth- and fifth-graders. I had no idea how much those kids would teach me.

Our class meets in a multi-purpose room, the children are divided into small groups with adult leaders, and we gather together for the lesson. I started by roaming the room with a large bowl of candy. The good stuff. M&Ms and Milky Ways and Reese's. Didn't take long to get their attention. I promised everyone one piece of candy after the lesson. Excitement - and a whisper of disappointment at having to wait.

I asked them to open their Bibles to Matthew 4, pretended to forget my Bible, and disappeared into an adjoining room - after asking an adult to watch the candy. But he was my accomplice, a young man with an engaging way with kids and amazing acting skills. Let's call him...Geoff.

"Hey, you guys! She's gone," Geoff said. "Who wants candy?"

Within a minute, a loud roar built in the room. When I returned, Geoff had retreated to the stage with the candy bowl. Half the kids rushed him, laughing, screaming, grabbing at the candy. The other half remained seated. Wow.

Order was restored. Then I repeated my promise - everyone could have one piece after the lesson unless they'd already taken one, and those who had remained seated would receive two pieces. Groans of dismay and exclamations of joy, but they accepted my decision. One little girl looked forlorn. "I only went because my friends did." That was a sad and unexpected part of the lesson. Following the crowd can lead you into trouble.

I think all were humbled - as I was - by how vulnerable we are to temptation. How enticing the chocolate-scented voice that says, "Why wait? You can have it now," and "All your friends are doing it," and "If you don't, you'll miss out on all the fun." But it's not real chocolate - it's a carob-saccharine-soy byproduct. Recognize that voice and stand against it.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 13, 1940: Indian National Congress launches program of anti-war civil disobedience.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 12, 1940: In Africa, Free French invade Vichy French-held Gabon from Cameroon and Congo. All Japanese required to join neighborhood associations for social control.

Lessons from the 1940s - Don't Lose Heart

In 1940, things looked bleak in the United Kingdom. Hitler had swallowed up Poland, Norway, Denmark, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. In July, the Battle of Britain began as the Luftwaffe began attacking British shipping. In August the target shifted to the RAF, and by September 6, the British had lost 466 planes. Then the Blitz began in September, and London bore fifty-seven straight nights of bombing. By the end of the Blitz in May 1941, only one house in ten was undamaged in central London, and 43,000 civilians had died. Invasion loomed as an ever-present threat. Extreme rationing and shortages, blackouts and air raid shelters, fires and gas masks - this was life for the British.

Living in England seventy years ago, it would have been easy to lose heart. Yet the British kept their famous stiff upper lip and "muddled through." What Hitler meant to break them made them stronger, more determined, and more unified. They kept to their work and cranked out the ships and planes and tanks they needed for victory. And the senseless raids turned the tide of public opinion in the United States, allowing passage of the crucial Lend-Lease program to provide arms to the United Kingdom, and paving the way to America's alliance with Britain.

By 1942, light could be seen. Hitler had greedily and foolishly invaded his ally, the Soviet Union. Freed from harassment, Britain grew in strength and became the staging area for Allied troops and for Allied bombers.

Things may look dark, but there is always hope. Follow the British example, don't lose heart, and let adversity make you stronger and more determined.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Oct. 11, 1945: US Marines land at Tsingtao, China.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 9, 1940: FDR releases policy allowing blacks to serve as officers for black units; Army begins to recruit black nurses and doctors to care for black patients only.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 9, 1945: Typhoon Louise hits Okinawa, killing 36 and destroying hundreds of US ships, the most damaging storm encountered by the US Navy.

Which Lion?

We think of temptation as a blinding neon light, a shout through a bullhorn, a shocking aroma—blatant and easily avoided. More often temptation comes as a fleeting glimpse, a gentle whisper, a pleasing whiff. As we become more spiritually mature, temptation becomes more subtle and less easy to distinguish. Our tempter is crafty and knows when neon no longer appeals to us.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he didn’t offer glitzy sleaze—he offered good things. Feed Yourself. Prove God’s power before the people. Take the kingdom the Father promised You. Subtle, and he even used Scripture. But Jesus saw the truth. What Satan offered wasn’t God’s will for Jesus at that time, in that way, or by those means.

To discern if that gentle whisper is from the Lord, self, or Satan, we must be so familiar with God’s Word and God’s ways that we can tell truth from lies.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

How can you watch out for the prowling lion and turn to the Lion of Judah?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 8, 1940: British reopen Burma Road to transport US Lend-Lease supplies to China. First Red Cross reserve nurse joins active duty with US Army Nurse Corps.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 8, 1945: Nazi Rudolf Hess (who stole plane May 10, 1941 and flew to Scotland in unauthorized attempt to encourage British to seek peace) flown from England for Nuremburg Trials.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 7, 1940: German troops enter Romania at request of Fascist Gen. Antonescu and occupy crucial Ploesti oil fields. Japanese protest US embargo on vital materials as “unfriendly act.”
65 Years Ago—Oct. 7, 1945: Gen. George Patton removed from command of US Third Army due to his criticism of US “de-Nazification” program for German officers.

Book Beat - Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

Every once in a while, a book comes along that's so fun, you just have to share. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad is one of those books - as refreshing as the strawberry sundaes its heroine craves.

It's refreshing to read a historical where ladies wear hats instead of bonnets. It's refreshing to read a novel set at a lake resort in Iowa in 1895. But most of all, it's refreshing because of Marguerite Westing.

Marguerite is rich and spoiled and prone to lying to get her own way - and yet you can't help but love her. She runs - no, "steps lively" - when others stroll. She loves astronomy, not a proper pursuit for a proper young lady. And she falls in love with sailing, a most unseemly activity indeed. She's witty and impulsive and cares deeply for those around her.

And she's trapped in more than a corset. She's being courted by a boring, self-absorbed man who may have a sinister side - and circumstances may force her to marry the cad. Meanwhile, she meets dreamy sailing instructor, Trip Andrews, who awakens her love of sailing - and other pleasant emotions. Trip is trying to prove himself to his rigid father, and the last thing he needs is Marguerite. Or so he thinks...

Mrs. Seilstad truly makes waves in her debut novel. She writes delicious humor and swoony romance - but still makes you think about honesty and obligations. Her research shines without blinding you. This is the first in the Lake Manawa Summers series, and I can't wait for the next two books.

Lessons from the 1940s - Save and Invest

The generation that fought World War II on the battlefield and on the Home Front had come through the Great Depression. While we cringe at today's unemployment figures hovering around 10 percent (as we should), in 1932, 13 million were unemployed - 25 percent of the labor force at a time when most households had only one wage-earner.

This generation learned the importance of managing money wisely. During the war, that meant purchasing War Bonds. Many enrolled in automatic purchasing programs to buy a set quantity with each paycheck. Bond rallies and drives brought in many more purchases. By the end of the war, 85 million Americans had purchased $185.7 billion worth of bonds.

More than patriotism and the financial necessities of total war, War Bonds were a good investment. At the end of ten years, the bonds matured and were worth far more than their purchase price.

We can learn a lot from this generation about personal finances. Don't buy more than you can afford. Live frugally. Reuse and repair and wear things out. Don't go into debt. If you are in debt, get out quickly. Don't put more on your credit cards than you can repay at the end of the month. Set aside a portion of your salary regularly for savings and investment.

For today's Americans, these concepts seem impractical and foreign. But they work.

Which of these ideas are you trying now? Which would you like to try?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 2, 1940: Britain suspends Children’s Overseas Reception Board, formed to evacuate children to Canada, due to U-boat danger.

The Pain of Remodeling

It all started when I wanted my own office space. With our oldest son leaving for college, we decided to move the double bed from the den into his room to serve as the guest bed when he's away, and convert the open spot into my writing space.

But you know how it goes. Hmm, the walls haven't been painted since we moved in eleven years ago. White walls are soooo last decade. Our soon-to-be college boy couldn't find a job, so we hired him to paint the interior of the house.

Remodeling is a pain. To paint the wall, you have to move the bookcase. To move the bookcase, you have to pull off all the books. We have lots of books. You move the bookcase and find dust and...other things. Especially in the kids' rooms. You pore over your belongings and pitch and rearrange and find items you'd forgotten about. Especially in the kids' rooms.

But oh, the results are worth it! A warm spread of light brown, a bright splash of yellow, a whimsical wash of aqua. Everything clean and fresh and newly organized, ready to be used.

This Sunday, one of our pastors spoke about the pain of being a Christian. Not the pain of persecution or the pain others inflict on us, but the pain of God remodeling our souls into Christ's image. God unpiles all the junk from our shelves, pulls shelves from the walls, and exposes dirt and...other things. He encourages us to pore over our souls and pitch and rearrange and find new parts of ourselves. The whole process exhausts you. It takes time. It hurts.

But oh, the results! God splashes our souls with His colors and leaves us clean and fresh and newly rearranged, ready to be used for His service.

So let the remodeling occur. Don't stand in His way. Some pain really is worth it.

Have you experienced the pain of remodeling in your life?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Oct. 1, 1940: Luftwaffe abandons daytime bombing for nighttime attacks on England.
65 Years Ago—Oct. 1, 1945: The US Army Air Forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAF/MTO) is inactivated.