The Noticer by Andy Andrews, Book Review

Written by the best-selling author of The Traveler’s Gift, The Noticer is an amazingly moving tale of the influence of a man named Jones as he floats in and out of the community of Orange Beach Alabama. Mysterious and elusive, Jones seems to encounter residents just as they are privately facing some of life’s most personal challenges, and inevitably, they leave the encounter a different person for life.

Written from an auto-biographical angle, Andrews shares the darkest time of his life with readers, as a hopeless and homeless young man, and how his encounter with a man named Jones changed the course of his life. The author’s story is so well crafted that it left me wondering if it was fiction, or non, but no matter, it is an amazing story of the possibility and potential of each life. Potential that will grow and flourish if watered by the love of another, or dry and wither if ignored.

The thread woven throughout the book is that in every situation, there is a new perspective waiting to be had. It certainly left me pondering certain situations in my life that I need to take a harder look at, and also prompted me to notice the lives around me, and ask myself who I can be a “Jones” to today. Thanks to Andy Andrews for spurring me think, and act, and influence.

Personal Psalm

Recently, a friend encouraged me to read Psalm 91, really read it, and personalize it as if it was being spoken just to me. I read it in several translations, and then wrote this intimately personal version that has become a huge encouragement to me. It is my hope that it brings encouragement to you as well. May these words speak to your heart today.

Psalm 91
For Sarah Leslie from her loving Savior

My dearest child, determine in your heart to always remain in the shelter of my love; forever rest in the shadow of my protection. Boldly declare that I alone am your refuge, your true place of safety, and proclaim your trust in me.

For when you faithfully do these things, I promise I will rescue you from every hidden trap, and shield and protect you from deadly disease. My powerful outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; my arms will fend off all harm.

You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the evil plots and slanders of the wicked that fly as arrows by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

Even though others succumb all around you, and drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watching from a distance as the wicked turn into corpses, and crumble into dust.

All this shall come to pass because you have chosen me as your refuge, and purposed in your heart to call the One True High God your very own home. Evil can't get close to you, no harm or plague or pestilence can enter your door. You are perfectly safe!

I have ordered my angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; for it is their job to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick them from your path.

If you'll hold on to me for dear life, I'll get you out of any trouble. Seek and know my mercy, love, and kindness--trust and rely on Me, knowing I will never forsake you, never! I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, I’ll be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then honor and celebrate you. I'll reward you with long life, and give you my salvation!"

A porn bailout??!!

Today Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry. Their argument is that the state of our nation is so poor that Americans are just too depressed to be sexually active, and their industry has suffered and “It's time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America!”

Now I realize this may be a half-witted attempt to jab congress for the recent bailouts, but COME ON! They go so far as to tell CNN that porn is “cherished” in this country as much as the auto industry. Porn is CHERISHED??!!! YOU”VE GOT TO BE KIDDING??? RIGHT?? Sadly… no… I think they are right. We have become a porn nation.

I consider myself a radical activist against pornography. I know the damage it can cause to your soul, and I have the scars and divorce decree to prove it. It shreds relationships, marriages and reputations. Lives are never the same. It doesn’t matter if you are the porn actor, the porn addict or the porn injured spouse (such as myself) it is a life destroyer. And anytime I encounter anyone who is working to free themselves, I see them as a warrior, a true hero in my eyes, for breaking the chains of porn in their lives. But those brave souls are the exception, many never break free… because they don’t want to.

I’m taking Flynt and Francis on… It’s my nation too… I have a voice and I’m going to use it!

The Parable of the Weeds

I have been reflecting upon the parable found in Matthew 13 of the weeds. Evil came in while everyone was sleeping and sowed weeds among the good seed, and though the farmer knew it was an act of the enemy, he knew that pulling up the weeds would harm his wheat. So he had to wait until harvest to separate the wheat and the weeds.

In verses 37-42 Jesus explains the meaning of this story, that the good seeds are the sons of kingdom and the weeds are the sons of evil. The harvesters are angels who will weed out all sin and those who do evil and cast them into the fire allowing the righteous to "shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

There have been times in my life when I have felt surrounded by evil, and been the target of others ill intended deeds. And in the moment it is hard to remember that one day I will be permanently separated from those evildoers for eternity. The pain they caused me will be a pale memory at the edge of my awareness as I walk with the one who saved me.

How I look towards that day and crave that peace that I know is waiting for me. Until then, I live among the weeds, the briers and the brambles with their sharp thorns tearing my flesh and bruising my soul. But the harvest will soon come. And I will be plucked from this evil earth forever and never again know the pain that my enemies bring.

Welcome!

Welcome to the premiere post in A Timely Word. Words have had a profound impact upon my life, both good and bad. It is my hope that my words can be used to inspire and heal those who are hurting. I will be writing about different topics that we all face in our lives and share my insight and thoughts with you, hoping that your spirits may be lifted by my words. So may you find this a place of encouragement and hope. There is always hope in this life, because this earth and this life is not all there is. There is much much more waiting for us in eternity. Thanks for joining me in my daily walk towards hope.