Admittedly, it was a bit disconcerning to be booked on a flight to the east coast at the same time hurricane Irene was arriving. What once seemed like a special treat to be lodged on an island in the Golden Isles of Georgia, while speaking to several audiences, suddenly seemed comical and understandable—discounted rates for all! Nonetheless, we packed our bags and headed on assignment to match Irene’s bag of wind for our own “Gail-force winds”—of a divine kind.

I never cease to be amazed at the dates on our calendar and the appointments on His Daytimer. We had both. Beyond our mini “B12 Event…Doses of Encouragement” on St. Simons Island, and two church services the following day in two different locations as I teamed with my husband, Tony.  Monday was to be a day of rest on our calendar before flying home to Dallas in the evening.

Instead, Monday morning early found us at a school assembly/chapel with one hundred teens and staff in Brunswick at Heritage School. Who can pass up any opportunity to deposit life and encouragement to the next generation of leaders? It is a privilege. From the school we went to the Coastal Care-Net center to encourage their staff, inspiring the troops on the front lines of life’s battle. Surprisingly, in the meeting was a journalist for a Florida paper and a radio talk show host. You just never know who is in your audiences! Next, we hurried to a restaurant to have lunch with a Georgia senator. AND, there is more!

The departing flight for Tony, and our daughter, Lydia, who had been traveling with us for the weekend, left Jacksonville, Florida at 6:55pm without me! I stayed behind to travel by myself to Orlando, Florida to meet up with a friend and help her begin her book. Our hosts, the Murrays, graciously drove me to Daytona to rendezvous with my friend. Hurricane Irene merged into Eileen. My progressive trip continued until stopping late in Orlando to meet my friend’s friend, Liz, from Scotland, and encourage her. It probably was a good thing not to have had all those appointments on my calendar because I might have thought it was overbooked.

Perhaps you have not figured out the significance of me not flying home with my family. I had to travel alone on my own for the first time. What a trip!! After three extended days, I flew home alone.  I made the flight, cleared security and took my seat on a connecting flight feeling blindfolded. The second jaunt of the flight introduced me to two gentlemen—an English professor and a businessman, who laughed constantly at my stories. I guarantee they will be in my newest McTales.  Life is filled with good material. Now my fear is thinking my dear husband and traveling companion might think I can do it alone from here. During this fall speaking tour I will need my loyal covenant partner at my side. He is my anchor, compass and dearest friend.

I had the joy of following the advice I give others—begin to soar as you engage in living. What about you?

 Have you done something recently that you never have done before this time?

If not…keep reaching—there is more!

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!